Ospreys Rugby are delighted to announce a first senior contract for back rower, Morgan Morris.
- Morris made his first Guinness PRO14 start and his European debut during 2018/19
- Captained the Ospreys Development team in their Celtic Cup campaign
- Named Ospreys' Elite Youth Player of the Year before picking up the Players' Player award at Swansea RFC's end of season dinner
It tops off a season to remember for the 20-year old who picked up the Elite Youth Player of the Year award at last month’s end of season dinner, that saw him captaining the Ospreys Development team in their Celtic Cup campaign as well as making his first Guinness PRO14 start and European debut.
Morris is the fourth youngster to sign a first senior contract with the Region ahead of next season, following on from Dewi Lake, Harri Morgan and Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler, who committed to the Ospreys before heading off to the Junior World Championship in Argentina.
Speaking after signing his deal, Morris said:
“It’s an awesome achievement for me and all the other boys that have done it. We’ve worked really hard over the last couple of years in the Academy so it’s good to get a bit of recognition.
“This season I’ve made my European debut, I made my first start in the PRO14 and, in the Celtic Cup, it was a big thing for me to lead the team. I’m 20 now, going on 21, and I think the coaches are expecting next season to be my breakthrough year. Hopefully I can put my hand up and say I’m here to stay, I’m here to play for the seniors.”
Morris came through the ranks via Gowerton School and Penclawdd RFC, representing Ospreys West at U16s before heading across the Severn to study at Hartpury College. Returning home to Swansea two years ago, Morris wore the white of his hometown club in the Premiership, and won international recognition with Wales U20.
His Ospreys debut came in the Anglo Welsh Cup in the 2017/18 season, against Wasps at the Liberty Stadium, his progress continuing this season with appearances in the Guinness PRO14 and Challenge Cup. His leadership potential saw him captain the Development team on four occasions in the Celtic Cup while he has continued to make a huge impression for Swansea, playing 18 times for the All Whites in the season just ended and picking up the Players’ Player of the Year award.
“Morgan’s progress has been recognised with the Elite Youth Player of the Year award” said Dan Griffiths, Rugby General Manager.
“He is highly regarded by Academy staff and has been a standout player in both the Premiership and Celtic Cup last season. He brings a real competitive edge, and impacts the game with and without the ball, which is essential for the modern back-rower. Morgan has also had first team opportunities this season, and understands where he needs to make improvements in his game moving forward.
“The latter part of the season has seen Morgan working hard on his physical development to prepare for his next challenge which is to establish himself within the senior environment. He’s really excited about the opportunity and we look forward to working with him to achieve his goals.”
As preparations for next season continue, the Ospreys have re-signed 10 senior players, including Dan Evans, Luke Morgan and Nicky Smith among others, while Gareth Anscombe and Gareth Evans have been added to the squad with more new recruits to come. Off the field, Scotland U20 and former Worcester Warriors Head Coach, Carl Hogg, has been appointed as Forwards Coach, and links up with the Region in pre-season.
