Luke Morgan insists he has no regrets he spent so long in Sevens rugby – even though he’s ripping it up in the full form of the game.
Morgan added to his growing reputation with a true predator’s match-winning try for the Ospreys in their festive derby victory over the Scarlets on Saturday.
The 26-year-old – who made his Wales debut against Scotland last month – outpaced Tom Prydie to touch down for the only try of the game as the home side claimed a 19-12 victory at the Liberty Stadium.
It caps a whirlwind start to the season for Morgan who had played just seven games of regional rugby in his life when Warren Gatland decided he had a “bit of the X-factor about him” and called him into his autumn squad.
The Bridgend-born player had previously spent six years on the international Sevens circuit, but insists he has no misgivings over taking so long to return to the 15-a-side game.
“My dad asked me a couple of days ago, whether I wish I had made the switch earlier,” he said after his impressive performance in the second of the Guinness Pro 14 Welsh derbies.
“But I look at it from the view that there has been an opportunity this year for me with a couple of injuries. That might not have happened last year. The way things have gone, it has been perfect timing for me.
“It has been a crazy two or three months, to be honest. But I am enjoying my rugby and enjoying getting the ball in my hands.
“Things have gone more quickly than I expected. But I’m enjoying it and that’s half the battle. I’m eager to train and eager to play.”
Now, Morgan, who is aiming to keep his place in Gatland’s squad for the Six Nations, wants to continue his impact for the Ospreys’ remaining derbies against the Cardiff Blues and the Dragons.
“Selection for Wales again is always in the back of my mind, especially after the autumn. But it’s at the Ospreys where I have to show off my stuff.
“It’s a massive victory for us, especially after playing them at their place and only losing by a few points.
“It was huge to get the win for us and for the fans and it means we move on in the Pro14.”
The Scarlets, who had won their last four matches against Ospreys, had led at half-time but the hosts rallied and forced Wayne Pivac’s men to settle for a losing bonus point.
As well as Morgan’s try, Ospreys were indebted to man-of-the-match Sam Davies who provided 14 points with the boot.
The Scarlets’ points came from three first-half Rhys Patchell penalties and Dan Jones’ late kick.
Morgan’s try showed his scoring instincts, but he admitted he also owed thanks to Scarlets centre Jonathan Davies.
“The ball came off Jonathan Davies’s backside, so cheers to him. The ball was on the floor and I just went for it. I put the pedal down and it paid off.
“We have got the Dragons next and then the Blues – two more tough games. But we will be aiming to get the wins and hopefully continue this streak. We will try and win these games and bonus points will help as well.”
Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke said: “We feel we’re a team on the way up and they [the Scarlets] have set the standard and today is another step on that journey.
“We were physically and mentally fresh and the boys really targeted this game and you could see what it meant to them at the end. I’m delighted for everyone associated with the Ospreys.”
Scarlets heads coach Wayne Pivac said: “It was a typical derby match. I thought it was very physical and you can tell that by looking in our changing room – there’s a few sore bodies.
“The try was a massive point in the game and their 10 managed the game well.
“They took their scoring opportunities and those drop kicks were probably the difference between winning and losing.”