EPCR's decision to trim the fat in the Challenge Cup has left academy players' chances of debuting in it looking as distant as the former long plane journeys to Russia or Romania to play Enisei-STM or Timisoara Saracens.
With teams qualifying from only the Premiership, Top 14 and United Rugby Championship, Enisei's Kuban Stadium is no longer on the route, but it was where Worcester centre Oli Morris marked his first outing in professional rugby in November 2019.
The trip to Krasnodar was often a logistical nightmare for teams drawn against the club from bear country. Fortunately, the team from pear country were able to come away with a 57-14 win, courtesy of a Jamie Shillcock hat-trick, with Morris also on the trysheet to kick off his career with Warriors.
“It was quite nice weather there for us and it was my first experience of Russia,” Morris, 22, told TRP. “Being in Krasnodar was a bit of a weird one but we got there the day before the game and then left on the night of the game – it was a real quick turnaround. There were a lot of bodies sprawled in the airport at 2am afterwards waiting to go home.
“It was a really cool experience; it was quite a good game in the end, we managed to get the win and I bagged myself a try.”
Over the last two seasons Morris has gone on to impress for Warriors in the absence of Ollie Lawrence when the blockbusting centre has been on international duty with England.
Morris clocked up 12 appearances last season for the first team and the aim for the new campaign is to top that number.
“I have developed a lot since my debut against Enisei but there is still a long way to go,” said Morris, who left the academy at Saracens to join Warriors. “I am a lot more confident and comfortable in what we do. It's been good progress but it is not where I want to be yet.
“Ashley Beck and Francois Venter have been really helpful to me. They are both nice guys and are always trying to help you – it is great having them next to you as a calming presence.
They both pack a lot of experience and are unbelievable players. It is great having them at Worcester to learn off.
“The younger guys bring the energy and if you look at the centres it looks like an exciting future for Worcester.
“I'm looking to be involved with the first team as much as I can, earn as many appearances as I can. I had a couple of injury issues last season so I would like to just keep the body in good shape and hope to last all the way through the season.”
Morris is also reaping the benefits of working with Mark Jones, whose switch to attack coach has allowed Jonny Bell to be ushered in as defence coach.
“Mark has brought in what he learned at the Crusaders,”
Morris added. “I think that plays to a lot of our strengths; we are a team who aren't the biggest but we are athletic and have good handling. He is trying to bring that tempo and offload game, and it is starting to show in training so we will see how it fares in the Premiership.”
