Luctonians suffer John Morris injury blow as pair attract higher-grade interest (From Hereford Times)

Luctonians suffer John Morris injury blow as pair attract higher-grade interest

2:57pm Wednesday 18th July 2012 in Rugby

LUCTONIANS winger John Morris faces five months on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury.

The promising kicker injured his cartilage in a North Midlands match against Gloucestershire at the end of last term.

And he could be out of action for around five months after his knee operation on August 21.

“I’m feeling a bit down about it. It’s frustrating,”

said Morris.

“Hopefully I’ll be back for January or February.

“I’ll be there to watch and support the boys, but for the first few weeks, I won’t be allowed to put any weight on my leg.”

Director of rugby Alex Davidson says Will Hodnett could be on his way out of Mortimer Park.

The winger has joined Welsh Premier Division Newport for pre-season training.

Another Luctonians youngster, Will Burton, is attracting interest after his England Counties tour of Africa.

“Will is attracting a lot of interest from Bridgend in Wales and National League One side Cinderford,” said Davidson.

“He has been playing for North Midlands and trying to improve his kicking.

“If he can add that to his running game, he will be a fantastic player.

“He’s come through the Colts and last season was his first year in the senior side.

“We just want to do what's right for Will.

“I just wonder that if he makes the step up whether he’ll become disillusioned,” said the Kingsland club’s director of rugby.

The Herefordshire side missed out on a playoff spot last term. But their youngsters’ displays caught the attention of bigger clubs.

“We began pre-season with a lot of touch rugby and trying to get some pattern-play sorted but we’re starting to get some contact in,” said lock-forward Davidson.

“A lot of the boys work in agriculture so we’ve had a lot of strength training with tyre-pushing and flipping.”

Davidson’s men have pre-season friendlies at home to Lydney on August 18 and away to Newbridge on August 25.

Luctonians then start their National League Two North campaign at Stockport on September 1.

Morris added: “The lads look sharp in training and are playing well.

“I think if we can get a few signings in before the new season, we should be targeting promotion.”