THE long-anticipated arrival of South African scrum-half Nic Groom at Edinburgh has finally been confirmed. The experienced 29-year-old joins from Super Rugby side Lions having previously played for the Stormers and Northampton Saints.
Groom will add to head coach Richard Cockerill‘s options at the base of the scrum after the departures of Sean Kennedy and Nathan Fowles at the end of last season. Henry Pyrgos, who is currently part of Gregor Townsend‘s Scotland World Cup training squad, and Charlie Shiel will also battle for the No 9 shirt next season.
“I’m really excited to link-up with Edinburgh. I’ve been keeping an eye on their results from South Africa and it’s definitely a club on the rise. I can’t wait to play my role in the seasons to come,” said Groom. “My time at the Lions has been awesome. I’ve had the chance to work with fantastic coaches alongside some great players and I’m hugely grateful for the opportunity they gave me to play for them.
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“From what I’ve heard, Edinburgh is a great place to live and play your rugby. My family can’t wait for the adventure that lies ahead.”
Cockerill welcomed the arrival of the experienced scrum-half after a prolonged courtship. “Nic is a really intelligent player who has consistently been a standout performer during his time in Super Rugby and the English Premiership,” he said.
“That experience in the number nine jersey is obviously key, but Nic’s ability to snipe and create opportunities in and around the fringes brings a different dynamic to our squad, while his addition clearly creates competition for places.
“We’ve been looking at Nic for a while now, so it’s great to finally welcome him to Edinburgh. We’re really hopeful that he can make a strong impact in the seasons to come.”
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