Joe Morris is the latest Warriors player to commit his future to the club by signing a contract extension.
The 22-year-old tighthead prop, graduated to the senior squad at Sixways from the Three Pears Warriors Academy two years ago having graduated with a degree in biomedical science from Oxford University where he won rugby Blues in 2016 and 2018.
“Tighthead is a really important in this competition and it’s essential that your homegrown talent is strong in that area,” said Warriors Head Coach Jonathan Thomas.
“Joe had a few opportunities in the summer bloc last season but probably not as much game time as he would have liked.
“He’s a young man and tightheads don’t mature until mid to late twenties. The challenge for Joe is getting him some game time.
“But we are excited about his potential. He’s a big man, he’s really diligent, hard-working and conscientious. He’s also smart and a quick learner and we believe there is a bright future ahead of Joe.”
In recent seasons Morris has gained valuable senior experience on dual registrations with Henley Hawks in National Two and with Hartpury and Yorkshire Carnegie in the Greene King IPA Championship.
With no Premiership Rugby Shield this season and a delayed start to the Championship campaign due to COVID -19 there have been fewer opportunities and Morris has had to bide his time.
“I am really pleased to have extended my contract with the club I have grown up at,” Morris said.
“I’m really excited to see where this coaching staff will take the club with the squad that we have built.
“Mark Irish, our Scrum Coach, has brought a different aspect to my game. He’s constantly working on ways for me to develop and improve and add different strings to my bow.
“I’m always pushing to play. It’s very competitive at the moment, we have a lot of good props here, but hopefully I can get some more game time in the near future.”
Morris, who played his formative rugby for King Edward VI School, Aston in Birmingham and at county youth level for North Midlands, has represented England Under-18s and Under-20s during his time with Warriors.
“I am really pleased that Joe is continuing his rugby journey with us here at Sixways,” said Director of Rugby Alan Solomons.
“Joe is a homegrown product who is in the early stages of his career as a tighthead prop. With COVID impacting on our season he has not had the game time we would all have liked.
“Nevertheless, he has trained hard and conducted himself as a good professional. I am confident that next season will see substantial growth in his game.”