Returning to rugby after heart surgery – Alex’s story 

18 months since undergoing major heart surgery at Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital (LHCH), Alex Groves is determined to leave his mark on the world of professional rugby.

However back in in January 2024, the prospect of continuing his promising career was a real concern for the 24-year-old, as he first met his consultant cardiac and aortic surgeon, Mr Omar Nawaytou.

At the time, the 6ft 9in second row was playing for Sale Sharks when he received the serious diagnosis of a leaking bicuspid aortic valve and an aneurysm in the aortic root.

An aortic aneurysm is a swelling in the main artery carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body. If the aneurysm raptures it can be life-threatening. A leaky bicuspid valve occurs when the valve doesn’t close completely, allowing blood to flow back into the heart instead of forward into the body.

Alex said: “It all started about 5 years ago when I was at Bristol Bears and had a routine heart screening. 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. 

“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.”

According to Mr Nawaytou, the clinical team were always conscious of Alex’s age and his career. He said: “There are different treatment approaches, and many centres might have considered either a mechanical valve or a bioprosthetic valve.

“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, Alex underwent a successful 7-hour operation at LHCH without complications to repair his bicuspid valve and to replace his aneurysm. Following a week in hospital, he was discharged to continue his road to recovery and back to full fitness.

He said: “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.

He added: “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.” 

For Mr Nawaytou, one thing stood out about Alex which made him never doubt that he would return to professional rugby - his motivation.

“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.”

Once again, Alex can look forward to a future in rugby and says, “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.”

After 10months out, Alex finally made his long-awaited return to rugby on December 28, 2024. Now six months later, he’s returned home excited by the prospect of competing in this year’s premier domestic rugby union competition in South Africa.

Watch Alex and Mr Omar Nawaytou talk about the care and treatment received at LHCH