Wales’ record try-scorer in sevens, Luke Morgan, will link up with the Ospreys following his involvement in this month’s World Cup in San Francisco.
The 26-year-old from Bridgend ended the 2017/18 World Rugby Sevens Series second in most tries scored (44) – with only the USA’s Carlin Isles touching down on more occasions (49) across the campaign.
Morgan, who came through the development pathway at the Ospreys and played one senior game for his home region as a teenager, follows former Wales Sevens teammate Sam Cross, who joined the Liberty Stadium-based region last pre-season, with Cross’ move being made permanent in March.
Head coach Gareth Williams says the agreement with Ospreys is another example of the good relationship between the sevens programme and regional rugby, and how it aids player development as a part of the pathway.
“This is a great opportunity for Luke following his achievements on the World Series,” says Williams. “It’s another good example of what the programme can achieve in bringing players through during those formative years post-Academy.
“Luke originally joined us from the Ospreys many years ago and he has progressed to being one of the best finishers on the Series. It will be exciting to see him take this next step in his career and I have great faith in him making a huge impact in the opportunities he will be given.”
Dan Griffiths, rugby general manager of the Ospreys, welcomed the news, saying: “Luke progressed through the pathway at the Ospreys and we are delighted to welcome him back.
“As a young man he was given the opportunity to refine his game on the sevens circuit and has developed into a world-class finisher. We are looking to add speed and game breaking ability to the squad and Luke certainly has the potential to give us that X-factor in the wide channels.
“This is a great opportunity for him to come into the full-time fifteens environment again and show what he can do. As we’ve seen with Sam Cross, there is potential for talented sevens players to develop here into quality regional players and we hope that Luke takes his chance this season.
“Once again, it’s great that the union and region can work togethe, and provide opportunities for players in Wales to fulfil their potential.”