Ulster back row Juarno Augustus stated that he is enjoying his rugby again following his recovery from summer ankle surgery. The 28-year-old player is currently preparing to return to where his professional career began as the Irish province gets ready to face the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship match this weekend.
Homecoming in Cape Town
Augustus, who represented the Cape Town-based franchise from 2017 to 2021, expressed excitement about playing against his former team and catching up with his family. The former Northampton Saints forward mentioned that he will likely need many tickets because everyone has been asking him for them.
He noted that playing against the team he grew up with is always nice and explained that he simply wants to play his game to the best of his ability. Reflecting on his physical condition, Augustus said he struggled a bit in the pre-season to put his surgery behind him, but those issues are gone now and he has successfully put together a run of games, emphasizing that staying fit and continuing to train is his main priority.
Chasing a Turnaround
Ulster enters the fixture still seeking their first victory of the United Rugby Championship campaign. Their recent 34-26 defeat against the Bulls in Pretoria extended their winless run in the competition this season to four matches.
Augustus stated his belief that major changes are unnecessary, explaining that success comes down to the bounce of the ball and small details that the team needs to work on and correct. Last season, Ulster and the Stormers played to a 38-38 draw in Belfast, but the number eight hopes Richie Murphy’s team can secure a win on Saturday at 12:45 GMT against a Stormers side holding three wins and one loss from four matches.
Looking ahead to the upcoming fixture, Augustus pointed out that playing away requires extra sharpness and total readiness from the first minute to the eightieth, noting that the opponents feature numerous dangerous players capable of changing a game instantly. He added that the coaching staff provided necessary details on the opposition’s style of play, leaving the execution up to the players who must remain completely focused throughout every moment of the match.
