Nick Grigg Bio
Nicholas Grigg, known professionally as Nick Grigg, is a New Zealand-born rugby union player who has built a versatile career across multiple countries. Born in Wellington, New Zealand, he currently plays as a midfield back, operating primarily as a centre. He is listed with Hawke’s Bay in New Zealand’s domestic National Provincial Championship and with Old Glory DC in Major League Rugby in the United States.
Grigg has represented Scotland at international level in both the fifteen-a-side and sevens formats, an opportunity made possible by his Scottish heritage through his grandfather, who hails from Ayrshire. Across his career, he has played club rugby in New Zealand, Scotland, Japan, France, and the United States, giving him one of the more international résumés in the modern game.
Early Life and Background
Nicholas Grigg was born on 18 September 1992 in Wellington, New Zealand. Standing 175 centimetres tall and weighing around 90 kilograms, he developed in a region of New Zealand where rugby is deeply embedded in community life. His upbringing in Wellington placed him close to a strong rugby culture that helped shape his early interest in the sport.
Grigg attended Newlands College in Wellington, where he continued to develop his rugby skills alongside his studies. His Scottish heritage, traced through his grandfather from Ayrshire, later proved decisive in determining his international eligibility, even though he was born and raised thousands of kilometres away in the southern hemisphere.
Before turning professional, Grigg played amateur rugby for Petone Rugby Club and represented the Wellington under-20 side. These formative experiences in New Zealand’s club and age-grade system provided the foundation for the next stage of his career, which would take him far beyond his home country.
Path to Professional Rugby
Grigg was part of the Hurricanes Development XV in New Zealand, an important stepping stone for emerging players in the wider Hurricanes system. His performances at that level drew the attention of scouts abroad, and in March 2015 he travelled to Scotland to trial with Glasgow Warriors.
The trial was successful, and Grigg signed for Glasgow Warriors while securing a place at the Scottish Rugby Academy for Glasgow District as a Stage 3 player. Academy membership at that level is restricted to Scottish-qualified players, which reflected his eligibility through his grandfather’s lineage. He balanced his academy commitments with appearances for Stirling County in the Scottish Premiership during the 2017–18 season.
He featured in pre-season fixtures for Glasgow against Clermont and the British Army Rugby Union side, experiences that helped him adapt to the demands of northern hemisphere rugby. These opportunities laid the groundwork for his transition into the professional ranks with one of Scotland’s leading clubs.
Nick Grigg Career
Early Career at Glasgow Warriors (2015–2021)
Grigg made his competitive debut for Glasgow Warriors on 18 March 2016 against Leinster at Scotstoun Stadium in the Pro12, a 12–6 victory in which he became Glasgow Warrior No. 262. Just days later, on 23 March 2016, he graduated from the Scottish Rugby Academy and signed a professional contract with the club, cementing his place in the senior squad.
Over the following seasons, Grigg became a regular feature in the Glasgow back line. He was named in the Pro14 dream team for the 2017–18 season, recognition of his consistency and impact at centre. By the time he departed, he had made 95 appearances for the Warriors and scored 20 tries, establishing himself as one of the club’s most reliable midfielders of that era.
International Career with Scotland (2017–2019)
Grigg’s international journey began in sevens. On 25 January 2016 he was named in the Scotland Sevens squad for the Wellington Sevens tournament, and he made his international debut on 30 January 2016 against South Africa, coming off the bench. His selection confirmed his commitment to Scotland despite being born and raised in New Zealand.
He progressed to the fifteen-a-side game and made his Scotland debut on 24 June 2017 against Fiji. Grigg went on to represent Scotland through 2019, adding a senior international dimension to a club career that was simultaneously taking off at Glasgow Warriors.
Move to Japan and Return to New Zealand (2022)
In December 2021, Glasgow Warriors announced that Grigg would join Japanese side Osaka Red Hurricanes in 2022. Speaking at the time, he reflected that his time at Glasgow had improved his life, even though the original move from New Zealand had felt daunting, and he praised the players, people, and culture at the club.
On 29 July 2022, Grigg was named in the Hawke’s Bay squad for the 2022 Bunnings NPC season, and he made his provincial debut on 6 August 2022 against Waikato. Later that year, on 6 October 2022, he signed an injury replacement contract with French Pro D2 side US Carcassonne, where he linked up with fellow former Scotland international Rob Harley and debuted on 7 October 2022 against Massy.
Hawke’s Bay, Miami Sharks, and Old Glory DC (2022–Present)
Grigg returned to Hawke’s Bay for the 2023 season and scored his first try for the province on 15 September 2023 in a 57–7 win over Manawatu. His form in the NPC helped him attract further opportunities abroad in the expanding North American professional scene.
On 7 December 2023, the Miami Sharks announced the signing of Grigg ahead of their inaugural Major League Rugby season. He debuted on 3 March 2024 against the Chicago Hounds and went on to play 14 games for the club. On 13 February 2025, he was named in the Old Glory DC squad for the 2025 Major League Rugby season, and he marked his debut on 8 March 2025 against Anthem Rugby Carolina with a try.
Driving Style and Strengths
Grigg is recognised for his strong running lines, reliable distribution from the midfield, and physicality in defence. His ability to read attacking shape and time his passes has made him a dependable organiser in the back line. Operating primarily as a centre, he combines an eye for a gap with the strength to break the gain line, traits that have served him across Pro12, Pro14, Pro D2, the NPC, and Major League Rugby.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Grigg’s standout moments are his Pro14 dream team selection in 2017–18, his 95th appearance for Glasgow Warriors, and his try-scoring debut for Old Glory DC in 2025. His international debut for Scotland against Fiji in 2017 and his decision to represent the country of his grandfather’s birth remain defining chapters of his career.
Nick Grigg Career Wins
While individual match-by-match win tallies are not fully documented across every league, Grigg’s career includes notable team successes with Glasgow Warriors, competitive appearances in the Pro14 dream team, and try-scoring contributions at every professional stop. His try on debut for Old Glory DC in March 2025 added another chapter to a record built across five countries.
Series and Club Highlights
With Glasgow Warriors, Grigg made 95 appearances and scored 20 tries between 2015 and 2021, contributing to a successful era for the Scottish club. He scored his first try for Hawke’s Bay on 15 September 2023 in a 57–7 win over Manawatu, and he opened his Old Glory DC account with a try on debut against Anthem Rugby Carolina in 2025.
Other Wins and Performances
Beyond his senior club achievements, Grigg was part of the Hurricanes Development XV in New Zealand and represented Petone and Wellington under-20s at amateur level. He was also drafted to Stirling County in the Scottish Premiership for the 2017–18 season, where he continued to develop his game while training with the Glasgow professional set-up.
Nick Grigg Family
Family Background and Heritage
Grigg was born and raised in Wellington, New Zealand, but his family ties extend to Scotland through his grandfather, who is from Ayrshire. This Scottish heritage proved pivotal, as it qualified him to represent Scotland at international level in both the fifteen-a-side and sevens formats of the game.
Personal Life
Grigg has spent much of his adult life away from New Zealand, building a professional career in Scotland, Japan, France, and the United States. He has spoken about his appreciation for the people and culture at Glasgow Warriors and his eagerness to experience new environments, including a stint in Japan that he saw as both a fresh start and a chance to be closer to home and family.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a new chapter for Grigg with Old Glory DC in Major League Rugby, following a year at the Miami Sharks in 2024. He was named in the Old Glory DC squad on 13 February 2025 and made an immediate impact, scoring a try on debut against Anthem Rugby Carolina on 8 March 2025.
His role in the Old Glory DC midfield, combined with his continued involvement with Hawke’s Bay in the NPC, points to a busy and varied campaign across two competitions. His experience in Pro14, Pro D2, and the MLR gives Old Glory DC a versatile playmaker capable of adapting to different styles of play.
Looking ahead, Grigg’s blend of physicality, distribution, and try-scoring instinct should keep him central to Old Glory DC’s plans throughout 2025. With Hawke’s Bay duties also on the calendar, he is positioned to maintain sharp form across both hemispheres and continue adding to a uniquely global rugby portfolio.