DHL Stormers to bid Groom farewell
DHL Stormers stalwart Nic Groom will be leaving at the end of the season to join English Premiership side the Northampton Saints.
The scrumhalf recently brought up his half-century of Vodacom Super Rugby caps for the DHL Stormers in their victory against the Reds at DHL Newlands.
The 26-year-old double Currie Cup winner, who has also played in 59 Currie Cup matches for DHL Western Province, has spent his entire professional career at DHL Newlands having come through the Western Province Rugby Institute.
Groom said that while it will be tough to leave, he is looking forward to the challenge that awaits him in the East Midlands.
“Leaving Cape Town and the DHL 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. 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 up with Northampton next season,” Groom said. “It’s a top club with a proud history and personally 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.”
DHL Stormers Director of Rugby Gert Smal said that the scrumhalf still has a big role to play for the DHL Stormers before he leaves.
“In consultation with DHL Stormers coach Robbie Fleck and DHL Western Province coach John Dobson, we decided to give Nic the opportunity to play for Northampton, but he still has a big role to play in the rest of our Vodacom Super Rugby campaign.
“We would like to wish Nic all the best for his future, he has been a stalwart at DHL Newlands and we appreciate the contribution he has made here both on and off the field.
“We will keep a close eye on the scrumhalves we have in the system, and if necessary we will look at recruiting another scrumhalf,” he said.
