SA’s Augustus top player in Georgia
JUNIOR Springbok No 8 Juarno Augustus was named the World Rugby U20 Championship Player of the Tournament on Sunday as the curtain came down on the three-week tournament at a function in Tbilisi, Georgia.
Augustus, “Trokkie” to his teammates, crossed the tryline in each of the team’s five matches in the international spectacle to finish the tournament with a total of seven tries.
This marked the most tries by a player in this year’s tournament.
Augustus touched down twice against France in their opening match, his second try being the vital one to draw the match.
He scored once against Georgia and Argentina and twice in the semifinal against England.
He added another in the bronze playoff against France on Sunday.
He went up against England captain Zach Mercer and his teammate Gabriel Ibiotye, and New Zealand’s Tiaan Falcon and Will Jordan, for the prestigious award.
“It is a surreal feeling to win this award,” Augustus said. “I didn’t think I would win it.
“It is an honour and privilege for me, and certainly a highlight in my career.
“[My thanks to] my teammates, coaches and the public who voted for me.
“[Thanks also to] my family for their unwavering support throughout my career. “This is a very special moment.” The Junior Boks were due to depart for South Africa via Istanbul yesterday and are due in Cape Town today.