Groom leaves Stormers for Saints
THE Stormers and Western Province will lose the services of Cape Town native Nic Groom at the end of the season as the 26-year-old scrumhalf joins Northampton Saints later this year.
THE Stormers and Western Province will lose the services of Cape Town native Nic Groom at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old scrumhalf, who attended Rondebosch Boys Prep and High School, will join Northampton Saints later this year.
Groom’s parents both teach at Rondebosch, and he has made his career in the Mother City starting from humble beginnings at the WP Institute after matriculating.
Groom’s career trajectory took a big upward curve, when he gave up the institute and moved to the University of Cape Town to play in the Varsity Cup in 2010 and 2011.
He completed a social sciences degree in organisational psychology.
“When I joined UCT, I found a home,” Groom said. “We were focused on becoming better individuals. There was room and freedom to express yourself. People from dif- ferent cultures and backgrounds subscribed to a way of training and playing and a way of bonding with each other.
“Before joining UCT, I used to value the wrong things in the game and be serious about issues that, looking back now, were not going to be there forever.”
Groom’s Ikeys won the Varsity Cup in 2011 and that year, he made his WP debut. Since then, he has amassed 59 Currie Cup caps, winning the title twice — in 2012 and 2014.
He has also played 51 Super Rugby matches and will see out this season with the Stormers.
“Leaving Cape Town and the Stormers is going to be tough and a big change, but I’m looking forward to embracing new experiences both on and off the field,” Groom said.
“I have many happy memories playing in Cape Town; it’s where it all started for me.
“I’ve been here my whole career and I’m so thankful for everyone who has played a role in my journey so far. The coaches, players as well as the passionate fans will always have a special place in my heart.
“I’m extremely excited to be joining Northampton next season,” Groom said.
“It’s a top club with a proud history and it’s a big honour to sign with them. I’m hoping to continue growing as a player and as a person and to contribute to what will hopefully be a very successful period at the club.”
WP director of rugby Gert Smal said Groom had their support.
The union would consider looking outside its structures to find a replacement.
Meanwhile, the WP Rugby Football Union also announced that South Western Districts would again become part of the Stormers franchise after a 10-year absence.
The unions will assist each other in playerdevelopment, exchanging coaching and player resources, forging a relationship between the clubs and schools of the union and SWD Eagles Rugby.