Laird Morris
American rugby union player (b. 1889)
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Laird Monterey "Monte" Morris (October 9, 1889 – August 19, 1954) was an American rugby union player who played at scrum-half for the United States men's national team in its first capped match in 1912.
Morris passes back from a scrum during the 1912 match against Australia | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Full name | Laird Monterey Morris | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | October 9, 1889 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Died | August 19, 1954 (aged 64) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 5 ft 7.5 in (1.71 m)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 150 lb (68 kg; 10 st 10 lb)[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | University of California | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Biography
Morris was born on October 9, 1889, in California.[2] He was the son of Henry Bishop Morris and Mary Kathryn Morris (born Baker).[3]
Morris attended the University of California, where in 1910 he earned a place on the varsity rugby team.[4] In 1911, Morris was late to return to the university,[5] but eventually did so and rejoined the rugby team.[6] During the 1912 season, Morris saw his playing time reduced as the coaching staff attempted to develop other players to play his position,[7] although he remained the best player at that position on the university team.[8] At the end of the 1912 season, on November 16, 1912, Morris played for the United States team at scrum-half in its first capped match—a 12–8 loss to Australia.[9] Morris served as the team's captain for this match.[10]
In 1913, Morris did not return to the University of California rugby team.[11] Over the course of his collegiate rugby career, Morris was described as "one of the grittiest halves that ever trailed a scrum,"[11] and as a member of "one of the most brilliant [back field] combinations ever seen on the Coast."[12] As a member of the class of 1913, Morris was a member of the Winged Helmet and Golden Bear honor societies at the University of California.[13][14] Morris died on August 19, 1954, in San Francisco, California.[2]
