Nic Groom signs short-term deal with London Irish

London Irish have announced that scrum-half Nic Groom will join the Gallagher Premiership club on a short-term contract.

Born in South Africa, the 31-year-old started his career with provincial side Western Province in 2011 and also went on to make his Super Rugby debut for Stormers in the same year. After making over 50 appearances for the Stormers, he made a switch to Northampton Saints ahead of the 2016/17 season before returning back to Super Rugby for Lions in 2018.

Groom also had a stint with Scottish regional club Edinburgh and now will link up with the Exiles for the remainder of the 2020/21 season.

“I’m really glad it’s happened – it’s the right opportunity at the right time for me, he told the club's official website.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on things ever since it became a possibility to come here, and it seems like the Club is really moving forward in the right direction.

“I like the way the team plays, and you can see how much it means to the group every time they pull on the London Irish jersey, so that was a big attraction for me in coming here.”

The 5ft 8in scrum-half also played for Barbarians and South Africa A sides in the past.

London Irish director of rugby Declan Kidney welcomed the addition of Groom to the squad for the rest of the season.

“We’re really pleased to add Nic to the squad for the remainder of the season.

“His experience in the Premiership will be invaluable for what’s to come over the course of the remaining fixtures.”

London Irish are positioned sixth in the Gallagher Premiership table with six wins from 17 games.