It is with great regret that we announce that Dave Morris, our Director of Rugby, has tendered his resignation with effect from 30 June 2019.  As a result of family illness, Dave’s wife and two young children moved back to the Loughborough area in December 2018 since which time Dave has managed the distance between family home and place of work remarkably well. However, this long distance arrangement has proven to be problematic and it is to Dave’s eternal credit that he has put family before career at this time.

Dave joined London Scottish in June 2017 from Loughborough University where he had been Director of Rugby for 11 years. In his first year with us, he brought in new coaches and new training programmes for the Pro squad, following a financial and operational model in keeping with tighter budgets and in line with the then new “One Club” philosophy. In his second year with us, his brief was extended to encompass overall responsibility for all aspects of rugby with London Scottish. He was thus involved in season 18/19 with the very significant evolution of the Lions, with the growth of Mini, Junior, Colts and Girls rugby, with the growth in the Community programme and, perhaps most importantly of all, with the pulling together of all these strands of One Club activity, which had in some cases drifted uncomfortably far apart.

And of course his personal highlight has been coaching the Sevens Team to victory at the prestigious Melrose Sevens last month, the first time London Scottish have lifted the Ladies Cup since 1965.

Paul Burnell, Club President, commented “Dave’s contribution to London Scottish rugby has been very significant and we are all very sorry to see him go. Dave, Charlie and their two young sons will always be welcome back to London Scottish.”

Morris reflected on his time with the Club. “It’s been a hugely rewarding experience working as Director of Rugby over the whole club. For me, rugby clubs are about people and London Scottish is full of remarkable people whether they are players, staff, volunteers or supporters. My sincere thanks go out to everyone in the London Scottish family for all your passion, hard work, humour and support. At this time I have to prioritise my family but I leave with some great experiences, memories and friendships from right across the club.”