Former Ospreys Player Harri Morgan Prioritizes Mental Health over Professional Rugby Return
Harri Morgan, a former rugby player, has announced he will not return to the professional game to protect his mental health. The 24-year-old, who played for the Ospreys, made this decision after trying to take his own life in 2023.
Morgan, a former Wales under-20s player who also represented his hometown club Bridgend, said the injuries and pressures of the professional sporting environment intensified the grief he was experiencing. He had lost both his grandparents in a short period, and the lack of support for injured players took a toll on his mental well-being.
“A lot of the negatives [in mental health] were leading back to rugby and the impact that was having,” Morgan told BBC Wales Live. “Especially the injuries and the pressures of being in a professional environment. I didn’t feel as if I could say anything because I was letting down teammates, coaches and, at the end of the day, I still needed to get a contract.”
The Welsh Rugby Union acknowledged that transitions and exits from the game can be turbulent, and they are focused on improving the support provided to players. Another former Ospreys player, Lloyd Ashley, has been appointed the lead for mental health and wellbeing by the Welsh Rugby Players Association, aiming to drive positive change in the sport.
Fellow Wales international Dan Lydiate, who now plays for the Dragons, believes the increased awareness and discussion around mental health in rugby is a positive move. He found rugby to be a lifeline after the loss of his father two years ago.
As the sport continues to address mental health challenges, players like Harri Morgan are bravely sharing their experiences, hoping to pave the way for more comprehensive support within the rugby union community.
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