Saints Sport appoints new Director of Rugby
Highly respected and experienced rugby coach David Morris has been appointed as the new Director of Rugby at the University of St Andrews.
David, who joins the University from Uppingham School, has more than 25 years of experience and a proven track record as a leading rugby coach across a range of ages and environments, having been a Director of Rugby at school, university, community and professional club level.
David brings a wealth of knowledge of university rugby to his new position at St Andrews, having spent 11 years as Head Coach and Director of Rugby at Loughborough University. During this period, he guided Loughborough Students to a British Universities & Colleges Sport (BUCS) Championship title, victory over England U20s and, following three promotions, to become an established side in the rugby National League 1, becoming the leading university team in the Rugby Football Union pyramid.
David has coached players who have gone on to become senior internationals and Olympians and gained international representative coaching experience as Head Coach of Great Britain Student Sevens and Forwards Coach of England Universities.
David left Loughborough to take on the role of Director of Rugby at championship club London Scottish (the Lions). Over a two-year tenure, he brought in new coaches and a new training programme to the professional squad and oversaw a significant evolution of the Lions, a growth in mini, colts and girls’ rugby and the community programme. A highlight of his time at the club was coaching the Sevens Team to victory at the Melrose Sevens, the first time London Scottish had lifted the Ladies Cup since 1965.
David will join the University from Uppingham School in Rutland, England, where he currently holds a variety of positions.
On his appointment at the University, David said: “I feel both excited and privileged to be taking up the role of Director of Rugby at the University of St Andrews. For me, sport is a fantastic facilitator of personal growth and giving a sense of belonging. I aim to maximise this for every student, volunteer and staff member involved in Saints Rugby.
“Scott Lawson leaves the club in a great place. I will work hard to build upon his legacy and all of those who have contributed so much to the rich history of the club.
“I am very impressed by the ambition and broad offering of Saints Sport. I look forward to meeting my new colleagues and being a great team-mate.
“Finally, I would like to thank my family for their support in our move to St Andrews. As a family we are looking forward to becoming part of the North East Fife community.”
Ian Gaunt, Deputy Director of Sport, added: “David’s appointment is significant, and our ability to attract someone of his calibre is testament to the transformation and recent success of the rugby club, along with Saints Sport and the University as a whole.
“David has spent most of his career within an educational setting and prides himself on supporting individuals as students and people first and foremost. He will be a huge asset to rugby players of all levels, as well as the Saints Sport team. We look forward to welcoming him and his family, and continuing the excellent work and progress made under Scott Lawson.”
Founded in 1858, the University of St Andrews Rugby Football Club is one of the oldest sports clubs at the University and is the sixth oldest rugby club in the world. The club is a founder member of the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) and has been an integral part of the University for over 160 years.
Saints Rugby recently won Scottish Student Sport Club of the Year, which recognised the club’s off-field impact in the areas of increased participation, innovative projects, developing volunteers, promoting the role of officials, fundraising and creating community links.
St Andrews offers students a world-leading academic education and a professionally run rugby programme as part of its unique student experience. Saints Rugby is one of the University’s leading sports clubs and one of a small number of targeted performance teams at St Andrews within the performance sport programme.
Each year the Men’s 1st XV competes in an ancient rivalry against the University of Edinburgh in the Scottish Varsity Match, which is believed to be the oldest varsity match in the world.
Issued by the University of St Andrews Communications Office.