New nine ready to shine!

The 24-year-old halfback becomes the 10th new addition to the roster at College Meadow and will link up again with his former captain at Wimbledon, Dylan Flashman, who has also joined Gavin Lach's revamped squad.

“I can't wait to get started at Elthamians,” Morgan said. “It’s a new challenge and a different environment so I’m looking forward to getting the boots back on and meeting everyone!

“It helps having a familiar face at the club, and I'm good mates with Dylan outside of rugby so I’m excited to carry on playing alongside him. We have spoken about it, and I know he's looking forward to it as much as I am.”

Aside from two seasons spent at Esher from the age of 16, Morgan, a self-employed carpenter, has spent the majority of his rugby career at Wimbledon, the club he joined as a five-year-old, and has also represented Surrey from Under-16 level upwards. “I had two seasons at Esher where I learned a lot and got to play against some good sides,” he explained. “But I wanted to play 1st team rugby which is when I went back to Wimbledon where I have spent the last five years.”

Last season proved to be a frustrating one for the South West London side who were relegated after just one season in National Two South. However, Morgan received recognition for a string of outstanding performances when he was named in the National Two South team of the season.

“It was a tough season for us," he said, “but when we found our feet, we were a good side and could compete with the top teams in that league - we just left it too late!

“I thought I had a good season. As well as playing at 9, I also played 15 and even 13 which was a new position for me. But I learned a lot last year. It’s always good to get recognition but especially when the season went the way it did, so I was pleased and proud when I got selected for the team of the season.”

Morgan added: “Towards the end of the season I mentioned to Wimbledon’s DoR that I was looking to move clubs, which is something a DoR doesn’t want to hear! He wanted to help me so passed my number on to Gavin Lach. After speaking to Gavin, I knew Elthamians was something I wanted to be a part of.”

Competition is fierce for the Elthamians No.9 shirt with talented trio Ollie Claxton, Tom Parker and Will Luxford all in contention. But Morgan is looking forward to the challenge that awaits him. “I can't wait for pre-season to start,” he admitted. “Competition is always good and helps improve your game. It means I'm going to have to really push myself and give 110% which I’m ready to do.

“I like playing a high tempo game with the ball in hand as I'm a strong runner and am good at finding a hole in the defence. I feel I can bring a lot to the club as I have a good skill-set and can also play 15.”

Elthamians Director of Rugby Gavin Lach said: “Rhys is another welcome addition to our squad. He plays a high tempo, physical game and that will fit well in with us. Although he's young, having spoken to people in Nat 2 last year he was the standout 9 in the division. It's very rare for a side that gets relegated to have a player named in the team of the season, so it shows what a good player he is.

"We are excited to have him join us as it gives us real strength in the halfback department which we will need as we look to progress next season."

Updated 16:20 - 30 Aug 2019 by Jon Edwards