The team he captains is also about to discover some facts of life - in a rugby sense, anyway.
Grant will lead Otago against Northland at Forsyth Barr Stadium today, in the opening round of the ITM Cup.
This is when it matters. Competition points are at stake and decisions made on the park have to be spot on. What is learnt and practised at training should now be delivered on the field.
After a mixed pre-season, the Otago side now knows the real deal has arrived and it is time to present its credentials.
Grant (24) is fully aware of what is needed - he has played 37 games for Otago - and said the players had been working hard over the past few weeks.
"We are a pretty young team and have plenty of enthusiasm. We just want to get out and play for each other and for Otago," he said.
"We have not got many Super 15 guys and everyone has to do their part. We had a good sit-down and talk and how everyone had to do their part for the team. If guys go out there and give their guts for the team, then we've got to be happy."
Grant said the side made huge strides in the win last week over Southland and that had bred some confidence in the team.
Otago was beaten by Tasman by 20 points two weeks ago but bounced back last week to edge Southland 32-31 in Balclutha.
Grant said the players had learned plenty over the past two weeks about what was expected at this level.
Now the eyes were set on Northland, and no further ahead.
"We're not saying we're going to go out and win the Championship. But we are not looking too far ahead. I know it is the same old cliche, but we are just taking one game at a time."
Grant has graduated with a physical education degree and is now a personal trainer at Snap Fitness.
That meant a balance between work and rugby was required, and Grant admitted it was busy.
Throw in the captaincy, which he said was unexpected but was something to look forward to, and Grant will have plenty on his hands in the next few weeks.
"Being busy" will be an approach adopted by Otago on the field. Coach Tony Brown wants to play a quick game and recycle the ball with haste.
This Otago side does lack experience. There can be no denying that.
But experience does not necessarily translate to success. Otago just needs to back its skills, not make mistakes, be aware of the intensity and speed the game is played at, and reach that level, if not from kick-off then not too much later.
Having All Blacks Adam Thomson, on the openside flank, and Tamati Ellison, at centre, is a huge bonus for Otago.
There are players due for a big season, including Grant and inside backs Hayden Parker and Glenn Dickson, while loose forwards Gareth Evans and TJ Ioane have untapped potential.
Northland has some quality players in its side and cannot now blame cold weather for an average performance.
Rene Ranger will be his usual handful, while the likes of forwards Dan Pryor, Hale T-Pole and Bryce Williams are experienced at this level.
The schoolboy march-past will make its debut at Forsyth Barr Stadium this afternoon. The march-past, featuring clubs from Dunedin and the country regions, will begin about 4pm.
Otago v Northland
Forsyth Barr stadium, today, 4.35pm
Referee: Jonathon White (Auckland)
TAB odds: Otago $1.57, Northland $2.30
Otago: Tony Ensor, Jayden Spence, Tamati Ellison, Glenn Dickson, Buxton Popoali'i, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Gareth Evans, Adam Thomson, TJ Ioane, Rob Verbakel, Paul Grant (captain), Tama Tuirirangi, Liam Coltman, Scott Manson. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Aki Seiuli, Tom Franklin, Lee Allan, Brad Weber, Peter Breen, Michael Collins.
Northland: Orene Ai'i, Tui Faasisila, Rene Ranger (co-captain), Derek Carpenter, Mateo Malupo, Ash Moeke, Samisoni Fisilau, Cam Goodhue, Dan Pryor, Hale T-Pole, Bryce Williams (co-captain), Jack Whetton, Scott Vessey, Tone Kopelani, Matt Wallis. Reserves: David Hall, Peni Kaufusi, Dan Faleafa, Jack Ram, Rhyan Caine, Eddie Paea, Matt Wright.
