Premiership: ‘Class act’ Juarno Augustus makes decision on Northampton Saints future
Northampton Saints have announced that powerful number eight Juarno Augustus has put pen to paper on a contract extension at the club.
The South African has made 45 appearances and scored 13 tries in his time thus far at cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens, since arriving from the Stormers.
Augustus has become an eye-catching player in the Premiership and causes opposition defences plenty of problems due to his devastating ball-carrying ability.
During this season, he made more metres with ball in hand than any other forward in the league, while also topping the statistics in metres made after contact.
Top of the carrying statistics
“We’re delighted to keep Juarno at the club because of the impact he can have on matches for Northampton Saints,” boss Phil Dowson told the club’s website.
“His ball-carrying ability clearly sets him apart – statistically he is one of the very best in the league – but he has huge desire to get better across the board and is improving all the time; creating more turnovers, offloading more often both before and after contact, being stronger in defence, and jumping in our lineout as well.
“He’s a class act and makes things happen in games for us as he gets us going forward, which is a very valuable commodity indeed.
“There’s loads more he can offer as well, and we look to get him in the game as regularly as possible because, more often than not, the more he touches the ball the better we play.
“Juarno’s also a really good personality to have in the group. He’s got a great sense of humour, is pretty relaxed around the camp, and I know he’s popular amongst the lads, so everyone is thrilled to keep him here.”
Augustus, a former Western Province and Stormers favourite, insists he has never felt more at home and admitted it was an “easy decision” to ink a new deal.
Enjoying his time at Saints
“For me it was an incredibly easy decision to stay at Saints,” he said.
“From my very first day at the club, I have felt welcome and I love the group of boys we have here.
“I’m also really enjoying my rugby in Northampton. I’m involved with the team almost every week, and we play with a style which really suits my game too. I know that my game has improved so much since I’ve come over thanks to the coaches, staff and players here.
“For the last two years we have come within a couple of games of winning the Premiership, and one hundred percent I think with the squad we have, we can go even further in the coming years. We just have to believe in ourselves and keep on improving.
“The club’s supporters are incredible – it’s a massive part of wanting to stay in Northampton as well. The stadium is full every week, the pitch is the best in the league, so I love playing at the Gardens and I can’t wait to continue.”
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