Justin Morgan (born 2 August 1975) is a former Wales international rugby league footballer who played as a prop in the 1990s and 2000s. He later became a professional coach in the 2000s and 2010s.[1][2] He has been an assistant coach of the New Zealand Warriors and the New Zealand Kiwis. He continues to work as a commentator.[citation needed]
After his appointment in 2002, Morgan rose to prominence as coach of French club Toulouse Olympique in 2005, when they defeated Widnes Vikings 40–24 to reach the Rugby League Challenge Cup semi-finals.[3][4][5] Having subsequently agreed to take over at Hull KR, he remained at Toulouse throughout July to oversee their semi-final against Leeds Rhinos.[6][7]
The 2006 season however was far better for Morgan. His side lost just two games out of the eighteen they played that year, finishing top and then beat Widnes Vikings 29–22 to advance to the Grand Final at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington. They then beat the Vikings 29–16 which guaranteed promotion to Super League for 2007.[9] On the cup front, Rovers achieved a huge upset in the quarter finals of the Challenge Cup to Super League side Warrington Wolves, running out 40–36 winners on the day. Rovers however reliquinshed their hold on the Northern Rail Cup as Leigh Centurions beat them 22–18 at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool in the final.
In their first year in Super League, Rovers started well, winning four out of their first five games including wins over Wigan Warriors and Leeds Rhinos. They led the table after victory over the Rhinos. Speculation over Morgan's future intensified as Leeds Rhinos Tony Smith, the new Great Britain Lions coach, and rumour had it that Morgan was being lined up as a replacement.[citation needed] However, on 18 April 2006, Morgan committed himself to the club until at least 2010, two years more than his previous contract stated.[citation needed]
Assistant coaching roles
In 2008, Morgan was appointed as an assistant coach for the Wales national team, working alongside John Dixon and Iestyn Harris.[10]
