DHL Western Province scrumhalf Nic Groom has already won three trophies at senior level and is single-minded about bagging his fourth in this year’s Absa Currie Cup.
You got your big breakthrough in the Absa Currie Cup last year. Is this year all about taking it to the next level?
“I have a single goal this year and that is to win that trophy again. I can't say my expectations are any different. It's about being motivated for a collective team goal.”
Is it difficult competing with a player of Louis Schreuder's quality for the No.9 jersey?
“It's a good thing because no one should be able to rest on their laurels. What is tough sometimes is that we get labelled as certain types of
players. As a player, you want to continuously improve your skills in every area. But the competition is healthy because it makes us better. It's also something that has to be managed properly, which it has been. We've both been named vice-captain, depending on which one of us plays.”
There is a school of thought that the fans' passion for rugby is so intense that the pressure weighs heavily on the players. Has this been your experience?
“We fully understand the responsibility of playing in Cape Town. Life is about far more than rugby and you can't let the pressure get to you. You have to learn to deal with it and separate your personal and professional life.”
Is the heavy focus on rugby in the local media difficult for the players because of the scrutiny and criticism that take place when mistakes are made?
“You can't define your success according to other people's opinions. As a young player, it's important that you learn to deal with it. I was affected by it at some stage and that was the case earlier this year. But you learn. There will always be someone who thinks you're not good enough. I have my own definition of success and that is what motivates me.”
Does the team take a lot of pride from having made DHL Newlands a fortress?
“Yes, it's all about pride, to stop teams from winning when they come here. This stadium means a lot to us. It represents the city, our people and the team, which makes playing here a big motivational factor.”
Is the heritage of DHL WP something the players are acutely aware of?
“Our coach for the U21 and Vodacom Cup teams, John Dobson, placed a huge emphasis on it. It motivates me knowing I play for a union with a rich heritage. I only recently learned about the segregation in the earlier years and how unity came about. It's massive for me to know how far Western Province has come and it makes me proud.”
Where do you come from and how did you end up in WP's structures?
“I was born in King William's Town and my family moved to Cape Town in 2001. I attended Rondebosch Boys' High and in 2009 I was taken up by the WP Rugby Institute, which was my first taste of what professional rugby would be like. I didn't initially make the WP U19 team, but used the 2010 Varsity Cup as a springboard to achieve my goals. It also taught me to go out and enjoy my rugby. Fortunately, I was then called up to train with the WP U21 side and ended up playing for them. We won the competition and I've been contracted ever since.”
What have been the highlights of your career thus far?
“I've been fortunate to have won three trophies at senior level – last year's Currie Cup and Vodacom Cup, and also the Varsity Cup with UCT in 2011.”
Are there people who have had a big influence on your career?
“I'd say Kevin Foote from UCT and Dave Wessels, who coached me at school. Dawie Snyman (backline coach of the WP Vodacom Cup team) has also stayed in touch and is always there for advice. Tom Dawson-Squibb has helped me with the mental side of things since my school days. Those guys, along with my dad, Chris, have been my main mentors.”
What do you do to relax?
“I am a big fan of the outdoors and being in the ocean. I love surfing, experiencing nature, being with family and surrounding myself with people outside the rugby environment.”
Who are your closest rugby friends?
“Marcel Brache and Demetri Catrakilis are probably my two biggest mates. They have big careers ahead of them.”
DHL Western Province Matchday Magazine
