When Juarno Augustus emerged as the standout Junior Springbok star and Player of the Tournament in the 2017 U20 Championship, very few would have predicted that he would remain uncapped at Springbok level at the age of 27.
Nevertheless, his outstanding form for the Northampton Saints last season did not go unnoticed, and he finally received his first call-up to a Springbok alignment camp earlier this year.
With the likes of Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw injured, it appeared to the be the perfect opportunity for Augustus to make his senior Springbok debut after gaining some all-important experience overseas.
Yet, Augustus was ultimately unable to report for duty with the Springboks, and the powerful loose forward remained out of the picture when Rassie Erasmus revealed the squad for the start of the Rugby Championship?
Why is Juarno Augustus not with the Springboks?
Unfortunately, matters have become complicated at club level after Augustus took the difficult decision to leave Northampton and make a move to Irish club Ulster.
Augustus needed to be cleared by Northampton Saints to join Irish team Ulster, but he failed his exit medical, and ultimately SA Rugby cannot interfere with this process until it is cleared up.
Although his exact injury has not been specified, it also appears that it is perhaps more serious than first thought.
“He’s struggling with his back, if I remember correctly,” Erasmus told the media recently .”He’s also between two clubs now. We can’t bring him in with an injury and do the rehabilitation, but he’s still with Ulster. So it’s a bit of a technical one.”
It now appears unlikely that Augustus will feature in the Rugby Championship, and he may need to once again rediscover some form and fitness at club level before finally getting his long-awaited opportunity with the Springboks.
Would you like to see ‘Trokkie’ eventually get back in the Bok mix?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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