Juarno Augustus believes playing for Ulster in the URC will boost his Springbok chances.
The 27-year-old No 8, who began his professional career with the Stormers and Western Province, signed a three-year deal with the Irish province after four seasons at the Northampton Saints in England.
Augustus made 81 appearances for Saints, helping them lift the English Premiership trophy and reach the Champions Cup final.
A former Junior Springbok and the 2017 World Rugby Junior Player of the Year, he has yet to make his Springbok debut and was not considered for the Tests against Italy and Georgia in July after he hadn’t received medical clearance from Ulster.
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Explaining his move to Belfast on the Behind the Ruck podcast, Augustus said stability and the league itself were decisive factors.
“Northampton could only offer me one more year. I wanted more years, so I told my agent to put me on the market. I had a few offers from France, but Ulster felt right.
“The URC gives me opportunities. I’m playing against guys I know, and it shows me where I’m at.”
He’s also embraced his new surroundings.
“I love Belfast – it’s like a smaller Cape Town. Everything’s there, just worse weather. The people are amazing and they welcomed me to the club,” he said, adding that Kingspan Stadium “feels like proper rugby. It’s intimate and hostile, almost like a club-rugby vibe with the crowd right on top of you.”
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Practicalities played a part, too.
“Another factor was the passport. I’d been in the UK for four years and needed one more to qualify. Northampton had one year; Ulster offered three. It was a no-brainer,” he said.
While the Springboks remain the ultimate goal, Augustus is intent on letting his performances do the talking.
“Playing for South Africa has always been the dream,” he said. “It’s at the back of my mind, but it’s not in my hands. I can only prepare well and play well.
“The URC puts me in front of South African fans. If I show what I can do here, people back home will see it.”
His inclusion in the Boks’ standby group for the end-of-year tour was a meaningful nod.
“It made me proud. You keep the phone close, but the focus stays the same – perform for Ulster and the rest will take care of itself.”
Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile via Getty Images
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