Morgan played Blues Under-20s before being signed by the Scarlets in 2009

Scarlets number eight Ben Morgan has yet to decide whether he wants to play for England or Wales, but says he would be "flattered" to play for either.

Bristol-born Morgan, 21, could qualify for Wales in 2012 as he lives in Merthyr Tydfil.

His gain-line breaks have been compared to Scarlets great Scott Quinnell.

"As far as [international rugby goes] I would be flattered to play for either nation, but for the time being I'm just focussing on regional rugby," he said.

At present Morgan says he is happy to continue developing at regional level after making his Scarlets debut at the start of the 2010/11 season.

"Getting exposure at this level develops you no end. There is no other way of doing it apart from playing. That's the way you make your mistakes and you learn how to play them.

"Playing regional level is the best you can get other than going international."

Morgan has made an impact deputising for the injured David Lyons, the former Australia number eight, who believes he is on course to play international rugby.

Lyons has been impressed with his development and told BBC Sport in December 2010: "Physically [Morgan's] as good as most people I've played with," said Lyons,

"He's showed some really good things and there's no doubt he has the ability to play international rugby.

"There are not many better ball carriers around Wales that I've seen.

"His raw power and energy are up there with some of the best and when he really harnesses that we can expect really big things from him."

Morgan has made two starts in the Heineken Cup and eight in the Magners League and is now looking forward to his first appearance at the Royal Dublin Showground against leinster on Friday night.

"I have not played there [RDS] myself, but it's like any you just block it out and get focussed," said Morgan.

"My aim is just to carry well, give us a bit of gain-line and just work on my defence.

"They are going to be a physical unit but they have got a great back-line to play with as well. They are going to be tough but we have got the players to out-muscle them as well."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version