Ospreys’ Harri Morgan taking break from rugby after trying to end his life

The Ospreys scrum-half, Harri Morgan, has revealed he is taking a break from rugby union after attempting to take his own life in February.

Morgan took to Twitter to share an emotional note labelled “MY STORY”, during which he outlined long-standing mental health issues. The 23-year-old added he was now taking medication and working on a new fitness-based venture while temporarily stepping back from the game.

“For a number of years I have suffered in silence,” Morgan wrote. “Grieving the loss of my grandparents and consecutive rugby injuries are the main contributors to my mental health causing both stress and anxiety. High stress levels have also caused me to suffer patches of hair loss.

“On 5 February, I reached the lowest point of my life and regrettably I took the decision to try and end it,” he added. “I am proud to say that I am now medicated for my stress and anxiety. I can’t thank my employer Ospreys, my teammates and, of course, my family and friends enough for the love and support they have shown me in this dark time.”

MY STORY pic.twitter.com/0qHwtbDcsg

Morgan also confirmed he was taking “the difficult decision to take some time out of professional rugby. “Rugby will always be my passion but for now I need to prioritise my physical and mental well being. This isn’t goodbye to rugby forever, it’s a goodbye for now.”

The former Wales under-20 international added he was hoping to inspire others through online fitness coaching and encouraged other men, particularly his fellow rugby players, to follow his lead by being honest about their own issues.

“Mental health is a taboo subject for men and particularly men involved in the rugby world,” Morgan concluded. “By admitting my struggles and showing my vulnerability