Extra Bula FC has strengthened its squad for the 2027 OFC Pro League season with the signing of 22-year-old New Zealand goalkeeper Jack De Groot, who is determined to help the club challenge for the championship.
Standing at 191cm, the left-footed goalkeeper joins the Bula Warriors after developing his football career in England and New Zealand, where he has earned several individual awards.
De Groot says joining Extra Bula FC fulfils a lifelong ambition, and he is looking forward to testing himself against some of the best players in the region.
He says he was impressed by the team's unity and playing style during its inaugural OFC Pro League campaign, while positive feedback from players helped convince him to join the club.
De Groot began playing football at the age of six with the Harvesters Youth Teams in Hertfordshire, England, before representing the St Albans regional team and joining St Albans City Under-18s, where he helped win the Eastern Junior Alliance competition.
He also gained experience through training and pre-season appearances with St Albans City's first team, which competed in England's National League South.
Returning to New Zealand at the age of 17, de Groot joined Wellington-based Miramar Rangers, spending four seasons developing his game and establishing himself as a promising young goalkeeper.
During this period, he was nominated for Young Player of the Year at the Capital Football Awards and won Under-20, Under-21 and Under-23 Player of the Year honours, along with three Goalkeeper of the Year awards.
He later joined Auckland's Eastern Suburbs, helping the club finish second in the Northern League and qualify for the National League.
The team also recorded the most clean sheets across Auckland and Wellington, an achievement de Groot considers a career highlight.
Describing himself as a modern, ball-playing goalkeeper, De Groot says he enjoys having the ball at his feet, making big saves and leading from the back.
He believes his communication, leadership and composure under pressure will complement Bula FC's playing philosophy under Head Coach Stéphane Auvray.
De Groot also places considerable emphasis on preparation, regularly studying opponents before matches to anticipate different situations and remain calm under pressure.
He says reviewing opponents helps him feel prepared for different scenarios before they happen.
The move to Fiji will be De Groot's first experience of living and playing football in the Pacific Islands.
He says he is excited to experience the local culture and is ready to step outside his comfort zone, adding that he expects the football to be more physical but is prepared for the challenge.
De Groot is also looking forward to learning from experienced Fiji internationals and other players from across Oceania and beyond, saying the experience will help him develop both as a player and as a person.
Away from football, De Groot enjoys relaxing, watching shows and occasionally playing golf.
He credits his parents as his biggest influences, saying they have supported him throughout his football journey and attend his matches whenever they can.
Bula FC finished third in the regular season of the inaugural OFC Professional League before progressing to the Top Four play-offs.
De Groot believes the club has the players to challenge for the title in 2027 and says he wants to help the team achieve the competition's best defensive record.
He is also looking forward to giving his best for the club and its supporters, known as the Bula Tribe.
