John Groves was born in Bridgend in 1939. After playing for Pontypridd, he moved to Gloucester and joined the club early in the 1964-65 season. He made his CountyChampionship debut for Gloucestershire against Cornwall in October.
He played 48 games in the successful 1968-69 season when, under Dick Smith’s captaincy, the club scored a record 32 wins. Groves scored 17 tries and in his last match against Exeter at Kingsholm, finished as he started, scoring a try.
In April 1969, it was announced that John Groves would be leaving Gloucester to take up a job in South Wales and rejoined Pontypridd RFC.
After he retired as a player, Groves became a leading referee in South Wales.
John Groves: Winger 161 appearances 1958-1970
