Groves puts heart and soul into Scarlets move
New Scarlets lock Alex Groves has overcomes the adversity of heart surgery to return to the rugby field.
Alex Groves, a lock for Scarlets, will make his first start at home against the Dragons in the United Rugby Championship on Saturday. The move to Wales was significant for Groves as he underwent major heart surgery in February 2024. Initially, there were concerns about his survival and whether he would be able to return to rugby.
Born and raised in Johannesburg, Groves moved to Bristol at 19 to help England's Under-20s win a Grand Slam. In 2021, while at Bristol, Groves was diagnosed with a leaky heart valve during cardio screenings. In April 2022, after another screening, he learned his condition had worsened, requiring surgery within five years. In January 2024, an aneurysm was discovered, necessitating urgent medical attention.
Groves underwent eight-hour surgery on his 23rd birthday. His recovery process was challenging, but he returned to competition in late December 2024, ten months after the surgery. Scarlets fans from Groves' hometown in South Africa helped him settle in Wales, providing sponsorship and accommodation.
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