Stormers Coach Admits Pride And Pain Facing Unleashed ‘Trokkie’
As the DHL Stormers set their sights on Ulster in their penultimate United Rugby Championship (URC) clash, they clash with a familiar powerhouse finding devastating form at the perfect time for the Irish giants—much to the detriment of the Cape Town outfit.
Fresh off driving Ulster into the EPCR Challenge Cup final, South African loose forward Juarno Augustus earned man-of-the-match honors with a powerhouse display against Exeter. “Trokkie” put on a ball-carrying masterclass, racking up 50 meters from 14 bruising carries and crossing the whitewash.
The 28-year-old began his professional career in the Cape before moving to Northampton Saints in 2021. The bruising number eight made 81 appearances for the Saints before moving to Belfast. He signed a three-year deal with Ulster ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, though injury agonizingly ruled him out of Northampton’s Champions Cup final run last season.
Stormers forwards coach Rito Hlungwani reflected on his close relationship with the player he knows so well, speaking with immense pride.
“I coached Trokkie at under-19 level. He is a player I know very well,” said Hlungwani.
“He is a great person who comes from a good family. He recently became a father and is now married, so he has matured a lot since I last saw him. I’m proud of what he has achieved since leaving us.”
How Has ‘Trokkie’ Augustus Performed Since Leaving the Stormers?
Augustus now spearheads the Ulster attack—a tactical evolution Hlungwani is watching closely. While the powerful loose forward occasionally drifted in and out of games early in his career, he has found a devastating, consistent rhythm in the Northern Hemisphere.
“He has been doing very well and adds another dimension to Ulster’s attack. He did the same at Northampton,” Hlungwani added.
“He is a strong ball carrier who gives them valuable go-forward, which helps them a lot.”
How Does Rito Hlungwani Plan to Stop Juarno Augustus?
Boasting one of the tightest defensive records in the URC, the Stormers showcased their tactical grit against a physical Glasgow Warriors side a fortnight ago. They will draw confidence from how they completely dismantled Glasgow’s rolling maul, but that defensive steel must hold firm in Belfast.
“We believe we have players with the physicality and stopping power to match him and hopefully neutralise his impact,” Hlungwani said.
Augustus missed out on Rassie Erasmus’ Springbok alignment camp earlier this year. However, with his performances and influence in the URC reaching new heights, it may only be a matter of time before “Trokkie” forces his way into the national frame to earn his first green and gold cap.
