'He talked to me very clearly about the urgency of my situation'

Alex Groves was told he might never play rugby again – now he’s back in the pro ranks and determined to make it count.

And just 18 months after having major heart surgery.

The 6ft 9in, 120kg lock – once of Bristol Bears and more recently Sale Sharks – has returned to professional rugby with a renewed sense of purpose, having undergone life-saving surgery at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH) in early 2024. At the time, his rugby career, and more pressingly his long-term health, were in serious jeopardy.

“It all started about 5 years ago when I was at Bristol Bears and had a routine heart screening,” Groves explained. “They found that I had a leaking valve, which is quite common and so I wasn’t too concerned. But when I did the same test in 2023 pre-season, the situation had worsened, and so the cardiologist referred me to LHCH.”

Groves was diagnosed with a leaking bicuspid aortic valve and an aneurysm in the aortic root.

It’s a potentially fatal combination if left untreated.

Aortic aneurysms are dangerous enough on their own, but when coupled with valve dysfunction, the risk is amplified.

“When I met Mr Nawaytou, he talked to me very clearly about the urgency of my situation, the need to undergo surgery and the various treatment options – some of which would likely have been career ending.”

Enter Mr Omar Nawaytou, consultant cardiac and aortic surgeon at LHCH, whose job it was to not just save a life but salvage a career.

“There are different treatment approaches, and many centres might have considered either a mechanical valve or a bioprosthetic valve,” explained Nawaytou. “However, we pride ourselves at LHCH on valve repair and natural aortic valve substitutes, and in the event that a valve does need replacing, a procedure called the Ross procedure can be carried out using a patient’s own pulmonary valve. In discussion with Alex, we felt these were the best options and gave him the best chance of returning to professional sport.”

In February 2024, Groves went under the knife for seven hours. Surgeons successfully repaired the valve and replaced the aneurysmal section of his aorta, allowing the former England U20 to begin an arduous road to recovery.

“The first step to me returning to rugby was coming through the operation. Therefore, I’m so incredibly grateful to Mr Nawaytou and all the clinical team at LHCH for the amazing care that I received from everyone at the hospital – it was a real team effort.

“But I’m not sure anything can properly prepare you for the hard work needed to get back to full fitness after heart surgery – it was intense. Initially I struggled with basic fitness that before surgery was a walk in the park, and I admit it was challenging. You need to be motivated and patient – building up your strength slowly and taking comfort from the positive signs of progress every day.

“Overall, my recovery was shorter than I expected and that’s thanks to the care at LHCH.”

By December 28th, Groves was finally back on the pitch after 10 months out.

“It was an amazing feeling to finally get back on the pitch and do that first tackle and first carry – a real dream come true. It felt like I was making my debut all over again and was a really special moment for me and my family.”

Nawaytou never doubted him.

“From day one, Alex said do what you need to do to get me through the surgery and I will do the rest – and he has.

“I’m delighted by the outcome, but it’s also important to acknowledge the excellent care from his club doctor at Sale Sharks, liaison with rugby league officials, and great support from his local cardiologist, which have all contributed to getting him back to this point.”

Groves, still just 24, now finds himself preparing for the 2025 edition of South Africa’s Currie Cup with Western Province –  his next chapter unfolding on a different continent. If the comeback wasn’t impressive enough, he’s hoping it’s just the beginning.

“I’ve been given a second opportunity to continue my rugby career and I’m not going to waste it. I’m determined to rip in and make it a success. To be a player who has come back from open heart surgery is massive for me and I’m really proud of that.”