Nicholas Groom will lead the Tel Aviv Heat in their first season in Rugby Europe’s new Super Cup.
Nic is a vastly experienced rugby professional who has recently hung up his full-time rugby boots as his career takes a new turn. In addition to captaining The Tel Aviv Heat on the field, Nic is excited to move into the corporate world as Assistant Global Sports Network Manager, for Ciitech, a leading research firm specializing in CBD markets.
To help guide the new team that draws upon talent from Fiji, Namibia, Israel, England and South Africa, Nic will draw on his experience playing for the legendary Barbarians, having earned a cap versus Samoa in 2015.
More than ten years on the professional circuit has given Nic a broad range of experiences with different teams, including Western Province (69), Stormers (57), Northampton Saints (49), The Lions (21) and Edinburgh (22). Nic also won the Varsity Cup with UCT in 2011 where he played scrum half with Demetri Catrakilis (assistant coach for The Tel Aviv Heat). Groom and Catrakilis went on to be a formidable half back combination in the Western Cape – winning two Currie Cup titles out of three appearances in the finals.
The Tel Aviv Heat is fortunate to be able to have the services of such a quality player like Nic for the upcoming season.
Kevin Musikanth on Nic Groom as captain:
“I have gotten to know Nic over the years having coached the IKEY Tigers and Groomy being an old boy. He is a fantastic person that is a clear thinker both on and off the field and once he had signed with our team was the obvious leader for our first season. He is a fierce competitor and a reliable hard worker that I have no doubt, will lead the team impeccably. Nic can consider himself unlucky not to have been capped as a Springbok, having played for SA A and also the prestigious Barbarians, he is of world class stature. We are fortunate to have him as our captain and I look forward to working closely with him in the future….”
Demetri Catrakilis (attack coach) on Groomy signing for the Tel Aviv Heat:
“Groomy has become a great friend of mine over the last 12 years. I couldn’t be more confident in a person to lead our squad like he will. Groomy displays inclusive leadership which resonates in creating an environment where players themselves feel empowered. An environment which is inclusive between players in the squad will do wonders for the culture and performance of our team. Groomy is the perfect man for the job…”
Nicholas Groom on signing for The Tel Aviv Heat:
“I'm really looking forward to linking up with Kev and Dim. When they asked me if I was keen to play it was an easy decision. This opportunity has come at the perfect time for me as I step into the next chapter of my life away from professional rugby. They have managed to put together an extremely diverse bunch of players from all over the world and I'm excited to be a part of it all...”
Pete Sickle on Nic Groom captaining the team:
“We have been extremely fortunate to have such great players from around the world join the Tel Aviv Heat, especially so that someone with Nic’s experience, integrity, and leadership skills will serve as their captain...”
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