This Saturday marks a significant milestone for Ryan Morrell as he reaches 50 first-team caps for Bournemouth Rugby. A player whose journey has come full circle, Ryan’s story is a testament to dedication, perseverance, and an unbreakable connection to the club where it all began.
Ryan’s rugby career started at Bournemouth in the Under-5s, where he played alongside now-international Charlie Ewels, building a foundation in the sport that would serve him well for years to come. He remained a vital part of Bournemouth’s youth teams until the Under-16s, when he took an exciting leap into the Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Academy, gaining exposure to a different code of the game.
After his time in rugby league, Ryan returned to the local rugby scene, stepping into Colts and senior rugby with New Milton RFC, where his game continued to evolve. University brought new opportunities, and Ryan thrived both academically and athletically, playing university rugby for three years. During this time, he also competed at a high level in National 3 and National 2 rugby for London-based teams, sharpening his skills and gaining invaluable experience.
Ryan’s talent on the pitch also saw him embark on an international 7s escapade, playing for some of the top 7s teams in the UK and representing his rugby prowess in one of the sport’s fastest and most thrilling formats.
After university, Ryan returned to the South Coast, rejoining New Milton RFC for a period, followed by a short stint at Wimborne RFC. But in 2021, the call of home proved too strong to resist, and Ryan made his way back to Bournemouth Rugby, bringing his wealth of experience and skill back to where it all began.
Since rejoining, Ryan has become an integral part of the first team, showcasing his versatility, rugby IQ, and passion for the game. His 50th cap is not just a celebration of his commitment to Bournemouth Rugby but a reflection of his journey through the highs and challenges of a remarkable rugby career.
A special thank you to New Forest Fires, who proudly sponsor Ryan at Bournemouth Rugby.
On behalf of everyone at Bournemouth Rugby, we congratulate Ryan on this incredible achievement and thank him for his contributions to the club. Here’s to many more caps and unforgettable moments in the Bournemouth kit.
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