Ethan de Groot considers South African sabbatical

All Blacks loosehead prop Ethan de Groot has indicated an interest in playing for a South African club during a potential sabbatical. The 28-year-old spoke about the possibility while participating in the All Blacks' seven-match Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa.

De Groot recently secured his long-term future with New Zealand Rugby by signing a contract extension that runs until the end of 2029. Despite this commitment, he suggested he might seek time abroad if he intends to compete in another World Cup. He noted that a year spent scrummaging in South Africa could provide valuable experience for his international career.

The prop identified South Africa and France as the primary destinations that would suit his playing style. He ruled out Japan as a viable option for his development as an international front-row player. De Groot expressed a desire to observe how South African players operate, citing the physical size of the players and the nation's reputation as a scrummaging power.

While on tour, De Groot also commented on the local food. He mentioned enjoying the biltong, dried sausages, and various cuts of meat such as ribeyes and T-bones available in the country.