Worcester Warrior centre Oli Morris agrees first senior deal

WORCESTER centre Oli Morris has agreed his first senior contract with the club. The 21-year-old has impressed since his senior try-scoring debut in November 2019 against Enisei-STM in the Challenge Cup.

Fellow academy graduate, fullback/ wing Noah Heward has also signed a new contract at Warriors. Heward, 20, will join the senior squad at the end of the season.

Morris, 21, scored his maiden Gallagher Premiership try against Exeter Chiefs two weeks ago and added another against Leicester Tigers last Saturday.

“We are really pleased that Oli has committed his future to the club,” said Warriors head coach Jonathan Thomas.

“When we came in as coaches we spoke about it being a clean slate and giving everyone an opportunity.

“To be honest, we didn't know too much about Oli then but he has been a bit of silent assassin for us in the sense that he goes about his business in a quiet, unassuming way. But he's an extremely physical player and he punches well above his weight.

“When you have a player of the quality of Ollie Lawrence away with England you need other players to step up and Oli has done that and he has been starting in that position for the last few weeks.

“We are really pleased with Oli's development. He is a Warrior in the true sense of the word in the way he plays the game. We are really excited about what the future holds for him.”

Having impressed so far this season, Morris is looking forward to continuing his development when he graduates to the senior squad during the summer.

“It's good to see where the club is going. It looks like there will be a real upward movement and I'm really excited to be part of that,” he said.

“I am really enjoying my rugby at the moment and hopefully I can continue to be involved as much as I can.”

Morris made two senior appearances for Saracens before he moved to Sixways and spent valuable time on a dual registration with Ampthill whom he helped win the National One title two years ago and secure a place in the Championship for the first time.

“Oli has played some terrific rugby this season and it is fantastic to see him commit his future to Warriors,” said Warriors Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.

“Oli is an outstanding young talent, who has hit the ground running in his Premiership debut season with his explosive style of play both sides of the ball.

“I have no doubt that he will continue his upward trajectory and be integral to the future of the club as we seek to take Warriors forward.”