Ulster’s Augustus enjoying South Africa homecoming
Juarno Augustus says he is enjoying rugby again after recovering from ankle surgery, as Ulster prepare to face his former side, the Stormers, in Cape Town. The match gives the 28-year-old a return to the club where his professional career began and a chance to spend time with family.
Augustus played for the Stormers from 2017 to 2021 and joined Ulster after a spell with Northampton Saints. Ulster have lost all four of their URC matches so far, most recently 34-26 to the Bulls, while the Stormers have won three of four. The teams drew 38-38 in Belfast last season; Saturday’s match is scheduled for 12:45 GMT.
In short
- Augustus returns to face his former team, the Stormers.
- He says ankle surgery is behind him and he is enjoying rugby again.
- Ulster seek their first URC win after four defeats.
Explained simply
Ulster and the Stormers are professional rugby teams competing in the United Rugby Championship, a league featuring clubs from Ireland, Britain, Italy, South Africa and Wales. The Stormers are based in Cape Town, while Ulster represent the northern part of Ireland.
Juarno Augustus is a South African forward who began his professional career with the Stormers, playing for them from 2017 to 2021. He later joined Northampton Saints in England and then moved to Ulster; his return to Cape Town connects his current club with an earlier stage of his career.
The match is part of the teams’ regular league season, when results help determine their position and prospects of reaching the play-offs. Their previous meeting last season ended in a high-scoring draw, reflecting a close contest between the sides.