As the United Rugby Championship (URC) regular season draws to a close, the Stormers, currently leading the table with 56 points from 16 matches, are bracing for a crucial confrontation against Ulster at Affidea Stadium this Friday. In the spotlight is Ulster's formidable number eight, Juarno Augustus, a former Stormer whose recent performances have caught the eye of his previous team's forwards coach, Rito Hlungwani.
Augustus, affectionately known as Trokkie (Truck), has a rich history with the Stormers, having launched his professional career in Cape Town. His journey took him to Northampton Saints in 2021, and he has been with Ulster since the 2025/26 season began. His prowess was on full display during Ulster’s 29-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup semi-final, where his dynamic play earned him the man-of-the-match accolade.
"I coached Trokkie a couple of years ago, so he’s a player I know really, really well. He’s a good person, comes from a great family, and I’m really proud of what he’s achieved since he left us,"
Hlungwani shared during a press conference.
Hlungwani expressed his admiration for Augustus but also highlighted the need for the Stormers to curtail his influence on the game. He noted that Augustus adds an "extra layer to their attack" through his robust ball-carrying, which significantly boosts Ulster's offensive strategy.
"He’s given them an extra layer to their attack. He did the same thing for Northampton Saints for a couple of years and is a good ball carrier. That go-forward ball he provides really helps them a lot,"
Hlungwani explained.
The Stormers are not only aiming to maintain their lead in the URC but are also seeking their first away victory against Ulster. Achieving this will require a strategic approach to neutralize key players like Augustus. Hlungwani is confident in his team's capabilities, stating, "For us, it’s about making sure we handle his power. We feel like we’ve got players with good stopping power and good carrying ability who can match that and hopefully neutralise him."
This upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, not just for the points at stake but also for the personal narratives intertwined within it, highlighting the ongoing journeys of players like Augustus who continue to make their mark across leagues and nations.
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As the United Rugby Championship (URC) regular season draws to a close, the Stormers, currently leading the table with 56 points from 16 matches, are bracing for a crucial confrontation against Ulster at Affidea Stadium this Friday. In the spotlight is Ulster's formidable number eight, Juarno Augustus, a former Stormer whose recent performances have caught the eye of his previous team's forwards coach, Rito Hlungwani.
Augustus, affectionately known as Trokkie (Truck), has a rich history with the Stormers, having launched his professional career in Cape Town. His journey took him to Northampton Saints in 2021, and he has been with Ulster since the 2025/26 season began. His prowess was on full display during Ulster’s 29-12 victory over Exeter Chiefs in the Challenge Cup semi-final, where his dynamic play earned him the man-of-the-match accolade.
"I coached Trokkie a couple of years ago, so he’s a player I know really, really well. He’s a good person, comes from a great family, and I’m really proud of what he’s achieved since he left us,"
Hlungwani shared during a press conference.Hlungwani expressed his admiration for Augustus but also highlighted the need for the Stormers to curtail his influence on the game. He noted that Augustus adds an "extra layer to their attack" through his robust ball-carrying, which significantly boosts Ulster's offensive strategy.
"He’s given them an extra layer to their attack. He did the same thing for Northampton Saints for a couple of years and is a good ball carrier. That go-forward ball he provides really helps them a lot,"
Hlungwani explained.The Stormers are not only aiming to maintain their lead in the URC but are also seeking their first away victory against Ulster. Achieving this will require a strategic approach to neutralize key players like Augustus. Hlungwani is confident in his team's capabilities, stating, "For us, it’s about making sure we handle his power. We feel like we’ve got players with good stopping power and good carrying ability who can match that and hopefully neutralise him."
This upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter, not just for the points at stake but also for the personal narratives intertwined within it, highlighting the ongoing journeys of players like Augustus who continue to make their mark across leagues and nations.