Oliver Morris


Oliver James Morris was a Welsh rugby union and professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1930s and 1940s. He played club level rugby union for Llanelli RFC and Pontypridd RFC, and representative level rugby league for Wales, and at club level for Hunslet and Leeds, as a, i.e. number 6.

Background

Oliver James Morris' birth was registered in Llanelli district, Wales. He was a Sergeant Major, later a Lieutenant, in the British Army during World War II, and he was killed aged 27 in Northern Italy, whilst fighting on the Gothic Line, during the Italian Campaign.

Playing career

International honours

Oliver Morris won 5 caps for Wales in 1938–1941 while at Hunslet, and Leeds.

Championship Final appearances

Oliver Morris played in Hunslet's 8-2 victory over Leeds in the Championship Final during the 1937–38 season at Elland Road, Leeds on Saturday 30 April 1938.

Challenge Cup Final appearances

Oliver Morris played in Leeds' 19-2 victory over Halifax in the 1940–41 Challenge Cup Final during the 1940–41 season at Odsal Stadium, Bradford, in front of a crowd of 28,500, and played in the 15-10 victory over Halifax in the 1941–42 Challenge Cup Final during the 1941–42 season at Odsal Stadium, Bradford, in front of a crowd of 15,250.

Other notable matches

Oliver Morris played for Northern Command XIII against a Rugby League XIII at Thrum Hall, Halifax on Saturday 21 March 1942.

Club career

Oliver Morris made his début for Leeds against Broughton Rangers at The Cliff, Broughton, Salford on Saturday 26 August 1939.

Genealogical information

Oliver Morris' marriage to Muriel M. was registered during fourth ¼ 1941 in Leeds district. They had children; Malcolm Morris, who Oliver Morris, due to his death, would never had seen.