Raised in New Zealand’s deep south De Groot has has been hailed as an exciting prospect and many expect him to go all the way to a long career in the Black jersey.
De Groot developed as a player at Southland Boys’ High School and rose through the Rugby Southland Academy and age group teams before making his provincial debut for Southland in 2018.
De Groot was included in the Highlanders team that played the NSW Waratahs in a pre-season game in Alexandra in February 2019.
After dislocating his knee against playing against Otago in the Mitre 10 Cup, de Groot had surgery and only returned in 2020.
In 2021, de Groot was the highlight of the Highlanders campaign. Having made two appearances off the bench for the Highlanders last year before becoming a feature of the matchday 23 in 2021.
He scored two tries in the ‘Landers win over the Waratahs in Super Rugby Trans Tasman.
His form for the Landers paired with a few injuries in the front lead to an All Black call up in June 2021. The powerhouse front rower made his Test debut for the All Blacks against Fiji in Dunedin on July 10, 2021.
In 2022, de Groot made 6 appearances for the All Blacks making 32 tackles and 14 carries.
Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2023,de Groot has been named in the squad for New Zealand.
S.C April 2023
Career
 |
Southland Loosehead Prop |
2018 - present |
 |
Highlanders Loosehead Prop |
2019 - present |
 |
New Zealand Loosehead Prop |
2021 - present |
