Scarlets lock Alex Groves is relishing the opportunity in the URC to head home and tackle his former team at Cape Town Stadium after life-saving surgery.
In February 2024, the 25-year-old underwent eight-hour heart surgery following the discovery of an abnormal bulge in the wall of a blood vessel.
After a lengthy rehabilitation, Groves was back playing in December 2024, having been loaned out to Championship side Caldy RFC.
The following year, he returned to South Africa where he linked up with the Stormers. Groves had a loan spell with the Scarlets last season and has now joined the Welsh club on a permanent basis.
He has featured in all four matches for Dwayne Peel’s men ahead of Saturday’s clash against the former URC champions in round four of the competition.
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“Many people struggle to get paid to do what they love,” he said. “Since it all got almost taken away from me, not just rugby but life in general, it put a whole different perspective on it.
“If I hadn’t had the heart surgery, I definitely wouldn’t have the appreciation for things that I do now.
“I’m just grateful to have the family and support I have around me and that I am still here doing what I love.”
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Groves attended St John’s College and he was selected to represent the Lions at age-group level.
At 19, he moved to the UK to join the Bristol Bears and went on to help England U20s win a Six Nations Grand Slam.
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It was while undergoing a cardio screening as part of Bristol’s pre-season preparations in 2021 that he first learned of an issue with his heart.
When he joined the Sale Sharks the following year, a further screening showed the situation had deteriorated and would need surgery within the next five years.
Reflecting on his operation, the ex-Western Province forward added: “It was terrifying, but I think it is more scary for the people closest to you.
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“I can’t imagine how hard that is for them. I just fell asleep and woke up.
“If I was a player in my position 10 years ago they probably wouldn’t have found the problem. Or I would have had to retire or even sadly have passed away.
“Thankfully, it was a success. I’ve never had a problem since. It’s good as new to be honest.”
Photo: Andrew Dowling/INPHO
The post Groves grateful for his shot at Stormers appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Scarlets lock Alex Groves is relishing the opportunity in the URC to head home and tackle his former team at Cape Town Stadium after life-saving surgery.
The post Groves grateful for his shot at Stormers appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
