The world-class loosehead prop had a firm edge to his voice at the start of the season when he vowed to play at All Blacks levels of excellence and consistency for the Highlanders.
De Groot walked the walk as he delivered unquestionably his finest Super Rugby campaign.
He has played 12 games (11 starts) for the Highlanders and led a scrum as impressive as any in the competition.
De Groot, who became a father for the first time this season, also worked tirelessly to make 124 tackles — only four team-mates completed more — and carry 46 times, as well as handling co-captaincy duties for much of the year.
Small wonder the king of Southland was named the Highlanders’ most valuable player at their awards on Tuesday night.
It was a first MVP nod for de Groot and he also won the Highlander Man award for a second time.
The other multiple award-winners were winger Caleb Tangitau and flanker-lock TK Howden.
Tangitau was having a sensational season until it was cruelly cut short when he wrecked his Achilles late in the game against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday night.
His seven tries and 988 carry metres had him clearly on the radar of new All Blacks coach Dave Rennie.
Tangitau was named Highlanders back of the year and also nabbed fan player of the year and players’ player awards.
Howden remains under-rated — outside club borders only — for his remarkable durability, consistency and versatility.
He leads all Highlanders with 920 minutes on the field and he leads all Super Rugby with 189 tackles at a 92% success rate.
Howden was named the club’s forward and defender of the year, and while his team have achieved only moderate success, he is another player who would not look out of place in a black jersey.
Rising star Lucas Casey was named rookie of the year.
The Otago loose forward was not even a fully contracted Highlander but he has appeared in 10 games (seven starts) and showed all his mobility and strength, most recently delivering a breakthrough performance against the Chiefs.
Veteran prop Angus Ta’avao claimed the Southern Inspiration award. Ta’avao, who has been excellent value at tighthead and has signed for another year in the South, made a ‘‘profound impact in his first season’’, the Highlanders said.
His son, Leo, died in February and the prop’s ‘‘courage and dignity in the face of personal tragedy earned deep admiration across the club’’.
Southland and New Zealand under-20 first five Mika Muliaina was named the under-20 MVP, seasoned rookie Andrew Knewstubb earned the community contribution award, and Sean Withy claimed the professional development award for completing a commerce degree during his busy life as a rugby professional.
Greg O’Brien, who has worked for the Highlanders for all 30 years of the club’s existence, delivered a retrospective on his career to more than 200 guests.
