Americas Rugby News Rugby news from across the Americas!
Griffins Rugby, a USA Rugby Division I team from Texas that participates in the Red River Conference, has announced the signing of Darren Morris as their Director of Rugby. While there are not any professional teams operating in the United States, the Griffins have turned some heads with the signing of players to professional contracts in the past year.
Last season the club started by signing former Worcester Warrior Jake Abbott to a multiple year deal. After finishing their 2015 Red River Conference season in 5th place with a 4-8 record, the Griffins added a few more players to professional contracts bringing the total up to four players. The club is expected to announce more signings in the near future.
Morris was capped 18 times at prop by Wales from 1998-2004 and was on the British & Irish Lions side that toured Australia in 2001. Morris played his club rugby for Neath, Swansea, Leicester, Worcester, Cardiff, and Northampton in a professional career that spanned 13 years. Morris retired in 2010 and immediately transitioned to coaching.
Morris is not only tasked with improving the Griffins on the pitch, but also leading rugby operations for the ambitious club. A proposition that will see him oversee all of the Griffins programs from youth all the way through their senior sides.
“We believe Griffins is the first professional rugby club in the US. The focus has been on developing a wide base, with solid infrastructure, an experienced management team and now with Darren’s addition, we have world-class coaching. Several players have been signed on professional contracts and we’ll be opening The Den [new multi-purpose training facility] in just a few weeks. We’re immensely proud of how far we’ve come in a few short years and are looking forward to an exciting season,” said Griffins’ Managing Director Phil Camm in a release from the club.
