Northampton Saints scrum-half Nic Groom will leave the club with immediate effect.
The opportunity for the South African return to his home nation presented itself in the form of a contract offer from Super Rugby’s Lions – a chance the 28-year-old has taken.
Groom joined the Saints in 2016, and since arriving in the Midlands, has made 51 appearances for the Premiership team in domestic and European competition respectively.
A troublesome year for the Saints has seen them stranded for tenth in the table, far off the pace that saw them clinch the Premiership in the 2013/14 season.
Groom said of his instant departure:
An opportunity has come up to return home, and I am grateful to the club for allowing me to head back early to try and make my mark,
Through seven matches, the Lions sit atop the South African division of the Super Rugby standings – and will surely welcome the arrival of a talented back such as Groom.
However, the Saints will be sad to see the back of their starting number nine.
Interim Saints head coach Alan Dickens said:
He (Groom) has had a very positive influence, both on and off the pitch, and I am sure he will be missed by many Saints supporters.
