A Welsh rugby player has announced he is stepping back from the sport to prioritise his mental health.
Ospreys scrumhalf Harri Morgan said in a statement that he had tried to take his own life in February.
In an Instagram post captioned “MY STORY”, the 23-year-old revealed he was taking medication for stress and anxiety and that he was looking forward to beginning a new chapter away from professional rugby for the time being.
While Morgan said stepping off the rugby field would not be a permanent move, he said he hoped to start a new fitness-based venture.
The former Wales under-20 international said he had “suffered in silence” for several years.
“Grieving the loss of my grandparents and consecutive rugby injuries are the main contributors to my mental health causing both stress and anxiety,” he said. “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.”
Morgan added that rugby would “always be [his] passion” and that it was “a goodbye for now”.
“Mental health is a taboo subject for men and particularly men involved in the rugby world,” he said.
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Morgan said he hoped sharing his story would allow other men to feel “empowered to open up”.
“It’s okay not to be okay,” he added.
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email [email protected] in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
