At just 21, Michael Morehen has already spent almost half his life at Eastbourne Rugby Club. A flanker, rugby has been a big part of Michael’s life for the past nine years - and it all started with a little encouragement from a PE teacher.

“I was playing at school and my PE teacher suggested I go down to the club,” Michael explains. “Since then, I've never looked back.”

Nine years later, Michael is still pulling on the Eastbourne shirt and clearly has no intention of stopping anytime soon.

The rugby stuff

Michael’s standout rugby memory came in a particularly hard-fought game in Jersey -
“It was the tightest game I've ever played, with all of their supporters going against us”

And when it comes to the advice that has stuck with him throughout his rugby journey, Michael keeps it simple - “Every little detail matters.”

That attention to detail is certainly useful in the back row, where there’s rarely a quiet moment.

For Michael, though, rugby at Eastbourne is about much more than what happens on the pitch.

“The culture and the fact it’s so family oriented” is what makes ERFC special to him.

And when it comes to getting fired up before a game? There’s no motivational playlist of inspirational sporting anthems for Michael. Instead, it’s Oasis’ *Fuckin’ in the Bushes*. We’ll let you make of that what you will!

Away from rugby...

When he’s not playing rugby, Michael can usually be found playing golf — or, apparently, beating Tom Lester at tennis.

And if the team were ever stranded on a desert island, Michael knows exactly who he’d want around - Maximus Smith.

Why? Simply because of the sheer amount of Outdoor Boys he has watched.

As for the best nickname in the squad, there’s one clear winner: Mr 67.

The story? Teddy Groves was “unbelievably drunk” and could apparently only shout “67”.

And just like that, a nickname was born.

MEET THE SPONSOR: BOURNE FOR WELLNESS

For Michael, Eastbourne Rugby Club has been a huge part of his life for nine years. For his mum, Michelle, and Bourne for Wellness owner, being involved with the club has been just as personal.

Bourne for Wellness offers a range of massage and reflexology treatments from a dedicated cabin just up the road from Eastbourne Rugby Club.

The business has grown from 13 years of private practice, with the cabin opening last year to create a dedicated, relaxing environment for clients.

“I enjoy meeting a variety of people from all ages, abilities and lifestyles,” says Michelle. “I love enabling clients to feel well, relaxed and manage any health conditions they may live with.”

It’s a philosophy that fits particularly well with the rugby club.

With Michael having played at ERFC for nine years, the club has naturally become a big part of family life - and supporting the club was an easy decision.

“I enjoy treating players, keeping them physically relaxed but also mentally well. I also enjoy meeting family members and partners.”

And Bourne for Wellness is keen to extend that support across the club, with the women’s team also on the radar for the season ahead.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming members of the women’s team and helping not only the men stay at the top of their game.”

Part of the ERFC family

For Bourne for Wellness, sponsorship is about more than simply putting a name alongside the club - “I enjoy the welcoming support of the club and the great business that comes from it.”

And another example of how the rugby club has become much more than just somewhere to play rugby - it’s part of the family.

Bourne To Drive, the company Michael's father owns, is proudly supporting both Finn Warner and Tom Line...you'll hear more about that later in the week! One family, three players!

You can find out more about Bourne for Wellness, including treatments and prices, at bourneforwellness.com), or follow @bourneforwellness on Instagram and Facebook.

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