Ospreys’ scrumhalf Harri Morgan has announced that he will step back from rugby to focus on his mental health.
Releasing a statement on Instagram captioned “MY STORY”, the former Wales U20 player revealed that he had been taking medication for stress and anxiety.
Morgan went on to say that he was looking forward to beginning a new chapter away from professional rugby for the time being.
Admitting that he had “suffered in silence” for several years, Morgan’s decision to step away from the game had come about as a multitude of incidents ratcheted up his stress levels over the years.
“Grieving the loss of my grandparents and consecutive rugby injuries are the main contributors to my mental health causing both stress and anxiety.
“High stress levels have also caused me to suffer patches of hair loss.
“On 5 February I reached the lowest point of my life and regrettably I took the decision to try and end it.”
“Mental health is a taboo subject for men and particularly men involved in the rugby world,” he said.
Stating that Rugby is passion, he has said the decision to step back is more of ‘goodbye for now’ rather than a permanent decision.
My stepping back Morgan had set he had hoped that his decision would help others realise that ‘it is ok to not be ok’ and it would hopefully empower more men to open up.
The promising 23-year-old has made ten appearances for the Ospreys to date and certainly has time on his side should he indeed return to rugby.
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