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.

Read more:
Girls in Wales almost twice as likely to report mental health struggles than boys
Sir Gareth Edwards’ iconic jersey breaks world record

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

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

Related posts:

Government adviser became Greensill director months after taking Whitehall role A pint and a poem as care home residents prepare to remember ‘gentleman’ Prince Philip Rate of inflation more than doubles in just one month to 1.5% Princess Beatrice pregnant with first child Celtic chief executive’s family ‘extremely shaken and shocked’ after explosion at home UK’s energy firms hold talks with business secretary amid fears gas price spike could lead to winter fuel shortages Dog ‘dumped like rubbish’ on dangerous road just before Christmas finds new best friend for life Russian submarines ‘threatening undersea network of internet cables’ Newcastle knocked out of FA Cup by Cambridge in third round giant-killing How ‘fanatical terrorist’ carried out MP assassination – and his ‘warped’ motive for the attack Man convicted of murdering police community support officer who was beaten to death as she walked her dog Truss Environment Agency budget cuts resulted in ‘doubled sewage discharge’, Labour claims