Monday 2 May 2016 17:17, UK
Northampton have confirmed the signing of scrum-half Nic Groom from Cape Town-based Super Rugby side The Stormers for next season.
The 26-year-old has spent all of his professional career to date at Newlands, playing 59 times for Western Province in the Currie Cup and hitting the half-century of appearances for the Stormers in Super Rugby in their recent win over Queensland Reds.
A double-Currie Cup winner, his personal form in 2015 also earned him a call-up into the star-studded Barbarians squad that faced Samoa at the Olympic Stadium in the run-up to the rugby World Cup.
Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder says that Groom has the abilities to succeed in the Aviva Premiership.
"Nic is a talented player and we believe he will be a great addition to our squad next season," he said.
"He has shown over the last few years that he has the ability to manage a game and to captain and lead a team.
He has a lot of experience in Super Rugby, coming up against some of the world's best players every week.
"He has a lot of experience in Super Rugby, coming up against some of the world's best players every week, and this will be invaluable as he competes for the scrum-half position with Lee Dickson and Tom Kessell."
Groom said: "I'm extremely excited to be joining up with Northampton next season. 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.
"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. 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."
