Northampton sign Stormer Nic Groom

As suggested by Neil Fissler in The Rugby Paper last Sunday, Northampton Saints have secured the signing of South African scrum-half Nic Groom.
The 26-year-old, who will join from the Stormers, will be a direct replacement for Kahn Fotuali’I who will leave Franklin’s Gardens this summer.
Groom has spent all his professional career to date in Cape Town, 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.
He 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.”
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder added: “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, and this will be invaluable as he competes for the scrum-half position with Lee Dickson and Tom Kessell.”