Morahan: We can’t afford complacency
LUKE Morahan says Bristol’s players are fully aware of their responsibilities around combatting the Covid-19 menace that continues to threaten the season.
Premiership rugby roared back into action on Friday night but still faces huge challenges as other sports struggle to cope with the effects of coronavirus.
In Super League, two matches were called off this weekend after six Hull FC players tested positive, while football’s Scottish Premier League is in disarray after players from Aberdeen and Celtic ignored advice over social-distancing and quarantine.
French Top 14 side Stade Francais last week confirmed that 25 of their players had tested positive, threatening the start of their season, while Premiership clubs here face forfeiting games and match points if they fail to fulfil fixtures.
With English cricket also recently embroiled in controversy after fast bowler Jofra Archer left camp for an unauthorised visit to see friends – a decision that could have cost his sport millions – Aussie winger Morahan knows one false step could be disastrous.
He told The Rugby Paper:
“It’s about being smart, making really good decisions now and ultimately realising that the whole of the community is involved in this. It’s not just about rugby, it’s public health, so we’re staying on top of it and not get complacent.
“That’s the issue because a lot of the reoccurrences that are happening are down to complacency.
“We realise that if we aren’t doing the right things, we will be locked down again and back to not playing, which none of us wants.”
Meanwhile, Morahan says improved defensive security will be key if Bristol are to achieve their aim of claiming a Premiership and Challenge Cup ‘double’.
To that end, no-nonsense South African defence specialist Omar Mouneimne was recruited from Worcester over the summer. Morahan said: “Omar is a very energetic guy and he’s a great motivator in this area. Our attack’s been good but we just need to step the defence up as well to really become that world-class, consistent Championshipwinning side.”