Ospreys' Morris bouncing back after toughest year

ByChris Kirwan

BBC Sport Wales

Morgan Morris is already looking forward to next season but his Ospreys boss believes the number eight might extend an injury-hit campaign with a Wales breakthrough.

The 27-year-old strong-running forward has endured a frustrating 2025-26 in which he has made 10 appearances.

Morris missed the end of last season after a foot operation and calf issues delayed his return until mid-December, then he was forced off again the following month against Lions.

"It has probably been my toughest season," he admitted. "I came into it injured, picked up another couple of injuries, got back into the flow of it and then got injured again.

"I'm just happy to be back out there and I'm looking to be involved. I am taking that as a positive and looking to next season now."

Morris had been an Ospreys regular when averaging 20 games in the four seasons before the current campaign.

"It's the first time I've had a season like this," he said. "I've been pretty lucky in the last few years and haven't really missed many games.

"It's been a tough year for me but it happens as a rugby player and I've come back from it."

Ospreys are blessed with some strong back row performers in Gloucester-bound Jac Morgan, recent Wales caps Harri Deaves and Morgan Morse, Ross Moriaty and James Ratti.

Nonetheless, Wales hopeful Morris has shown what they have missed since returning with his strong carrying.

"Deep down, sadistically, we all enjoy it," said the consistent back-rower. "To be a forward in this game you've got to love the physicality."

Morris was frequently mentioned as a Wales contender without getting a call-up by former boss Warren Gatland.

Current national head coach Steve Tandy gave debuts to Ospreys back-rowers Morse and Deaves and, with Taulupe Faletau injured again, is sure to be looking at Morris.

A strong end to the campaign could earn a shot to feature in the summer fixtures against Barbarians, Fiji, Argentina and South Africa.

"Morgan is a unique player for us," said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones. "He is very physical and wins a lot of collisions while from a cultural point of view he's such a good guy in the environment.

"He has been like a new signing and him and Jac Morgan have done a great job since returning to really put some depth into our squad.

"His performances have been really good and I know he is keen to push on and really get into Steve Tandy's eyes and impress for a summer tour."

Morris and his Ospreys team-mates now have a week off while the semi-finals of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup take place.

Ospreys finish the season with a final home fixture against Scarlets before a trip to Leinster, and are not lacking motivation even if their hopes of the top eight have gone.

Captain Jac Morgan heads the list of leavers from a squad that have battled hard throughout the season despite off-field uncertainty and protests.

"The boys love each other," said Morris. "We care about each other a lot and we owe it to the boys who are moving on to see out the season with as much happiness and as many wins as we can."