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Aaron Morris confirms 'heavy heart' retirement at the age of 28

By Liam Heagney
(Photo by Rob Newell/CameraSport via Getty Images)

Aaron Morris is to call it quits at the end of the current campaign at the age of just 28 after injuries restricted him to just six Harlequins appearances in the last two seasons. A statement read: “Harlequins back three Aaron Morris will be retiring at the end of the season following a series of serious injuries which have seen him sidelined for much of the last two seasons.

“Morris, 28, joined Quins from London rivals Saracens ahead of the 2016/17 season and has since made 69 appearances for the club, scoring 45 points. Having started his rugby career at Bedford Blues and Biddenham School, he signed his first professional contract with Saracens aged 18 and remained dual registered with Bedford to continue his development in the Championship.

“In 2014, Morris won the U20 World Championship with England alongside current Harlequins teammates James Chisholm and Jack Walker. A Premiership winner with Harlequins in 2021, Morris made his 64th appearance in the semi-final before sadly picking up an injury during the game.”

Morris said: “This has been a very difficult decision and made with a heavy heart. The last two seasons have been incredibly challenging as I have battled with multiple serious injuries, bringing both physical and emotional pain. It is time for me to find the joy that rugby once gave me in something else.

“While my career is shorter than I would have liked, I retire proudly with a Premiership winners' medal and as a junior world champion. I want to thank the club, my teammates, the supporters and my family for all their support. I hope I have made them proud.”

Harlequins boss Tabai Matson added: “We will be sorry to see Aaron go. He has been desperately unlucky with injuries and while his career has been shorter than we all would have liked, he can feel very proud of his achievements.

“We are always sorry to see good men leave our club and Aaron’s departure will leave a massive hole. We wish him all the best for the future knowing with his capabilities he will transition successfully and will probably be an exemplar for other players.”