Edinburgh release SA scrumhalf with immediate effect

NEWS: Edinburgh have confirmed that they are to release Nic Groom and Sam Kitchen with immediate effect to allow them to pursue contracts elsewhere.

Edinburgh signed Ben Vellacott earlier this season, with many predicting that Groom would not see a renewal of his current contract as a result.

A statement from the Pro14 side reads: "Edinburgh Rugby have reached a mutual agreement to release scrumhalf Nic Groom and hooker Sam Kitchen with immediate effect to pursue playing opportunities elsewhere, with their contracts not scheduled for renewal at the end of the season.

"Groom, 31, has made 22 appearances for the capital club since he arrived from Super Rugby side, Lions, in 2019, and will see out the season in England.

"Kitchen, 27, will return to his native Australia having made two appearances since joining from FOSROC Super6 outfit Ayrshire Bulls in June last year.

"Edinburgh Rugby would like to thank the players for their hard work and commitment to the club and wish them all the very best for the next chapter in their careers.”

Groom started his senior career with Western Province and the Stormers in Cape Town (2011 to 2016). He notched up 57 Super Rugby appearance for the Stormers before joining English Premiership side Northampton Saints at the beginning of the 2016/17 season.

He won the Currie Cup twice (2012 and 2014) with Western Province.

During his stint in Johannesburg, the scrumhalf was a key man in the 2019 Lions Super Rugby squad that narrowly missed out on reaching the knockout stages of the competition, appearing in 13 out of 16 conference fixtures.