Tyler Morgan delighted at Wales recall after diabetes diagnosis
- Published
Tyler Morgan played in Wales' 2015 World Cup quarter final defeat by South Africa in Twickenham
Under Armour Series: Wales v Scotland, Australia, Tonga & South Africa |
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Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Dates: Saturdays 3, 10, 17 & 24 November |
Coverage: Live on BBC Wales, S4C, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, the BBC Sport website and app. |
Tyler Morgan says he is chuffed to be back in the Wales rugby squad after struggling with injuries and being diagnosed with type one diabetes.
The 23-year-old Dragons centre is in Warren Gatland's 37-man squad for four November internationals in Cardiff.
Morgan made four appearances for Wales before being diagnosed with diabetes early in 2018.
"I'm really chuffed to get a call up. I've worked really hard to get fit and the timing is good," he said.
"It's weird I've only got four caps but I feel like I've got loads of experience," added Morgan, who made his Wales debut in August 2015.
"I've been on the scene for a few years now and I feel like I'm comfortable in that environment. I'm not nervous and I feel like I've earned my place."
Morgan's return follows a 2017-18 season seriously disrupted by leg injuries which culminated in a diagnosis of diabetes.
The condition means the player has to have daily injections of insulin and carefully manage his diet.
"It was as nice to have an explanation to why I had so many foot and ankle injuries," said Morgan.
"It was a shock to be diagnosed with the diabetes but it comes with its pros and cons. I know how to look after myself now. I struggle some days with it but overall it's not too bad.
"I'd never call myself unlucky in this situation I'm in - it's a dream job.
"I get to train with the boys and come into work in shorts every day so it's not too bad! People say unlucky but I still come to work with a smile on my face.
"I inject with insulin every day and have a blood scanner in my arm. It's manageable if you look after yourself well and keep yourself healthy. There's a lot of boys (with diabetes) in football, rowing ... it's doable.
"The last year it felt like I wasn't myself and I couldn't play my game and I wondered what was wrong.
"It was good to get my answer and know I wasn't just getting rubbish at rugby! It's nice to get back on track and getting back in the Wales squad gives me that confidence back."