)-640w.webp){kind=small}
Help Taylor get to Tokyo!
- Hove RFC
- Jul 24
- 3 min read
Doctors told him he'd "Never Play Sport or even ride a bike" Now Taylor is set to represent England at Deaf Rugby Sevens World Cup
31-year-old Taylor Morris, was born with Grade 3 microtia, a congenital condition in which the outer ear does not fully develop, leaving him deaf on his right side. Shortly after his birth, doctors warned his parents that his condition would likely prevent him from leading an active sporting life.
"For any parent, hearing those words about your child is heartbreaking," he said. "But my parents made a decision that would shape the rest of my life, they refused to let those predictions define me."
As a young child, he underwent reconstructive surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. Growing up with a visible difference and hearing loss brought challenges and moments of self-doubt, but his parents encouraged him to embrace every opportunity. They never treated him differently or allowed him to believe his hearing would limit what he could achieve.
Rugby transformed Taylors outlook.
"What started as a game quickly became a passion," he said. "The sport taught me resilience, discipline and teamwork. Every training session, every tackle and every match reminded me that the predictions made when I was born didn't have to become my future."
Today, he works as a Senior Physiotherapist and plays his club rugby for Hove Rugby Club, where he continues to develop his game alongside preparing to represent England on the international stage.
"Every day I see people overcoming challenges that once felt impossible, and I know first-hand how powerful belief, perseverance and support can be," he said.
Now, he is preparing for one of the proudest moments of his life after being selected to represent England Deaf Rugby at the Deaf Rugby Sevens World Cup in Tokyo.
"To pull on the England shirt after everything my parents and I were told when I was born is something I'll never take for granted," he said. "Representing England is one of the proudest achievements of my life. It's proof that someone else's expectations don't have to become your limits."
Like many athletes competing in deaf and disability sport, England Deaf Rugby players are responsible for funding much of the cost of representing their country, including travel, accommodation, tournament expenses and preparation.
He is now appealing to businesses and individuals for sponsorship or donations to help him reach Japan. "Every contribution, no matter the size, helps me represent my country and the deaf community on the world stage," he said. Beyond competing for England, he hopes his story will encourage parents whose children have been told what they may never achieve.
"Don't stop believing in them," he said. "Sometimes the greatest achievements begin with someone refusing to accept the word 'can't.' If a little boy who was told he would never ride a bike or play sport can grow up to become a Senior Physiotherapist, play for Hove Rugby Club and represent England at a Rugby World Cup, then maybe our potential isn't decided by the challenges we're born with, but by the determination we show every day afterwards."
He also paid tribute to his family, friends, teammates, coaches and colleagues for the encouragement and support they have given him throughout his journey.
Anyone wishing to support his journey to Japan through sponsorship, a donation, or simply by sharing his story is invited to get in touch.
Support Taylor:
