20 Questions: Niall Morris – Leicester winger

Good to be back after injury?
Yes, hopefully I can get a run of games now. I dislocated my thumb and tore all the ligaments so it took three months and I missed some big games.
Injuries the story of Leicester‘s season?
Exactly! At the start of the season it seemed we were losing two or three guys every week, but everyone’s back fit again now.
Is the game getting more physical?
Yes. You’ll not get many people playing beyond 10 years now. Guys are getting bigger and the collisions more powerful, so injuries are bound to take a toll.
Where did you start out in rugby?
I lived in Hong Kong as a kid – dad worked there – and started playing for a team called the Flying Kukris. After coming home to Dublin aged nine, I went to Willow Park School before playing for Blackrock College and Leinster.
Why did you quit Leinster?
Game time. They had Rob Kearney, Isa Nacewa, Shane Horgan and Luke Fitzgerald and I only played eight games in two years.
Who from your school group made it?
Luke Fitzgerald is a good friend from school, while Ian Madigan, Cian Healy and Ian Keatley were all around. I was also in the Leinster academy with Eamonn Sheridan, who’s doing well at London Irish.
Play any other sports at school?
I swam a lot and played soccer and Gaelic football. I did a little bit of everything but concentrated on the rugby as I got older.
Who were your rugby heroes?
Brian O’Driscoll is everyone’s hero in Ireland and I’d have Geordan Murphy in that bracket, too, plus Christian Cullen and Jonah Lomu from New Zealand.
Enjoy being coached by Geordan?
I was lucky enough to play with him at first and, from a coaching view, he’s full of knowledge and is always happy to help with advice.
Still got Ireland ambitions?
I played in the Tbilisi Cup last year and everyone wants to represent their country. But I’ve got to get back in the Leicester team and play well first.
How do you relax away from rugby?
Golf, watching TV or chilling-out with my girlfriend. I play golf off 20 and play with Adam Thompstone, David Mele, Owen Williams and Dan Bowden. Geordan Murphy and Paul Burke are decent players as well.
Any hobbies or pastimes?
Love movies and I’m currently going through the box set of Game Of Thrones. I’m also learning to play the piano… very slowly!
Why the piano?
I love the sound and thought I’d give it a go. I’ve got a piano at home and am taking lessons, but I’m still at the banging stage.
Enjoy travelling?
Love it. I’ve been to Australia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Las Vegas, California and a fair bit of Europe. I’d say Vegas was the best.
If not rugby, what would you do?
I have a degree in business and law, so have a base there. But I don’t know what I’d do and I’ll need to think about that at some stage.
Three special guests you’d invite to dinner?
For the music I’d have Elvis Presley, who’d be a good craic; Billy Connolly could provide the humour; and I’d have my girlfriend do the cooking.
Best and worst banter at Tigers?
Neil Briggs is the most annoying man, constantly talking and winding people up. George Chuter is the man who makes everybody laugh… unbelievable wit.
Best and worst dressed?
Nobody can be described as best! Worst are Dan Bowden – missus tries to dress him – and Boris Stankovich, who always wears CAT boots, tracksuit bottoms and a white T-shirt … always!
Pet hates and annoyances?
Drivers who won’t go at roundabouts; drivers who stop at orange lights; and people who leave lights on in rooms after they’ve left.
Ambition for season run-in?
Win the Premiership final. Doing it last year was my best career moment and, after nine successive visits, nobody wants to be in a Leicester team that doesn’t make Twickenham.