20 Questions: Nathan Morris – England U20s & Wasps hooker
Brilliant! We’ve got a great ethos and really good squad spirit. It’s more like being with a club side than anything and they’re a great bunch of lads.
Huge match against South Africa last Sunday?
We certainly owe them one for last year. I came on as sub for the last 25 minutes of that match and it wasn’t nice losing.
Born in Wrexham, brought up in Carlisle?
Yes, my mum’s from Cumbria but my dad worked at RAF Sealand, near Chester, so they lived in Wrexham before my mum wanted to go home.
How did you get into rugby?
Dave Cowgill, Cumbria’s DoR, got me into it. I was a bit of a renegade at school and owe him a lot. I had too much energy but getting involved in rugby really helped.
First spotted by Newcastle, weren’t you?
Yes. I was lucky to get a scholarship at Sedburgh School, which opened a few doors, and it was Ian Peel who picked me up. It’s good to have him on the U20s management now.
Always been a hooker?
No. I played centre at first, then switched to the back row before playing tight-head prop. I moved to hooker under the tutelage of John Fletcher and Peter Walton at Newcastle.
Why didn’t you stay at Falcons?
I had a really enjoyable four years in their academy but decided to go to London and do a geography degree at Kings College. That led to me joining Wasps.
Why geography?
It means you can travel and it’s one of those degrees that goes well with rugby. There’s a lot of human psychology, which helps.
Got any travelling planned?
I’m off to visit Cuba after the U20s and then to the islands of Fuerteventura. I’ve heard Cuba’s very different so I’m really looking forward to it. I want to go before Fidel Castro dies.
Anywhere else you’d really like to visit?
Twickenham!
I mean countries?
I’d love to travel around South and Central America and visit places like Ecuador and Guatemala.
How’s it been going for you at Wasps?
I’ve been there for two seasons and have just got another two-year contract. But I’ve been out on loan quite a bit so next season is a huge one for me. I’ve got to hit the ground running and try to get more first team game time.
Helped London Welsh get promoted last year?
Yes, I played 14 games the season they went up. I struggled with my rugby a bit there but it gave me the learning curve and maturity I needed.
And you helped Henley go up last season?
Yes. I needed to keep ticking over before the U20s World Cup and played the last six games, all of which we won, including the title decider against Worthing.
Enjoy that experience?
Fantastic! Henley were very professional and really welcomed me in. It’s a great testament to them that they won their last 12 games and it’s a great club.
Like any other sports?
Cricket, athletics and swimming. I’m supposed to be playing for Old Actonians 5ths this summer but I’ve only managed one game so far.
If you could be another sportsman?
A cricketer. They’ve got a good life with all the travelling to hot countries like Australia, India and the Caribbean. I wouldn’t mind being Stuart Broad.
How do you like to chill-out?
I used to enjoy fishing and walking but there’s not much chance of that living in Acton! I go swimming a lot, though, and my college stuff keeps me busy.
Best and worst banter in the U20s camp?
Tom ‘Terrence’ Smallbone is the worst. I can’t tell you why we call him Terrence, it’s an in-joke, but he’s got no chat at all. Elliott Stooke’s the best, he’s pretty sharp.
Best and worst dressed?
My mate from Wasps, Alec Hepburn, is shocking and has no fashion sense at all. Best is Henry Slade, who always looks super smooth in his Nike gear.
