Leicester Tigers' Morris 'attracted interest of Leinster'
Leicester Tigers director of rugby Richard Cockerill has revealed that Heineken Cup champions Leinster were keen to take winger Niall Morris back over the Irish Sea before he agreed a contract extension at Welford Road.
Tigers announced the 24-year-old had signed a new contract last week having arrived from Ireland 18 months ago.
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Cockerill said Morris turned down the advances of Leinster to pledge his future to Tigers.
"Leinster were quite keen to have Niall back which was somewhat of a concern," he said.
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"They (Irish players in England) get told that if you want to play for Ireland, you have to come back to Ireland. That's not necessarily the case though.
"I don't know how many caps Geordan Murphy has got – but it is more than a couple!
"If you are good enough, you will get picked. It is as simple as that.
"Niall has been really good for us. He came from Leinster because there was limited opportunity over there.
"There is a big pool of Irish talent because there is not enough room at the table at their provinces.
"Leinster are a great side and have a strong squad, a bit like Leicester at times. If you are not right at the top of the table and you don't break through to be the next rock star, you can get left behind as a player there.
"The Premiership gives clubs the chance to play players like that.
"The Irish guys that come over here are uncomplicated. They are physically very good, there is no nonsense with them and they are up for the battle."
Cockerill said the new contract offered to Morris was with one eye on next season.
With the futures of out-of-contract duo Murphy and Scott Hamilton still undecided, Cockerill said Morris has been rewarded for his attitude, work ethic and recent performances.
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