Welshman Jac Morgan is set to start for the Lions against Argentina in Dublin tonight
Jac Morgan faces one of the biggest nights of his burgeoning career this evening but he’ll do so in the knowledge that he has some special people behind him.
The Wales skipper has been named in Andy Farrrell’s British & Irish Lions XV to face Argentina in Dublin tonight in the curtain-raiser for the tour Down Under this summer.
Morgan is just one of two Welshmen in Farrell’s squad – Tomos Williams has been selected among the replacements in the Irish capital – and will be representing not only his country but his loved ones and community too.
Ahead of his first-ever appearance for the Lions, Morgan has been sent a number of messages from his family, with one or two famous faces sprinkled in as well. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Former Lions skipper Sam Warburton and world rugby legend Richie McCaw both sent the Ospreys man their best wishes, but it is perhaps the messages from his grandparents and parents that prompt a lump in the throat after the Lions media team surprised him with a video compilation.
“Good luck for the next few weeks, I’m so, so proud of you, and I can’t wait to see you soon,” his girlfriend says.
“Tough saying ta-ra,” Morgan responds. “When you are going away for a long time, but to be able to have them there, to be able to share it with them because, you know, everything that my parents especially did when I was a youngster was take me to rugby and stuff. So being able to share it with them and having them out there to support will be fantastic.”
His grandparents then come on screen, with his grandmother, speaking in Welsh, saying: “I just want to let you know, just enjoy yourself,” with his grandfather adding “and good luck, you’ve got a massive opportunity here because you’ve played well enough to be there, so prove that you are special.”
“And enjoy each minute with your new friends. Don’t forget us now. Just enjoy, love,” he gran ends with, before his grandfather adds: “And I tell you what, everyone in Brynamman wants you to do well.”
Morgan’s parents then deliver their messages to their son, with his mum beginning: “Hiya Jac! Good luck to you on the beginning of your Lions tour, it’s a massive honour and we’re so proud of you.”
“All right Jac?” his father begins. “There’s an outstanding opportunity in front of you, so get your head down, work hard and more than anything enjoy it. Do you best.”
His sister adds: “Good luck, all the best, I’ll see you out there!”
“It is nice, it’s pretty special to be able to get the messages,” Morgan says after watching the videos from his nearest and dearest. “It’s great. Lost for words, in a way.”
“Jac, good morning,” Warburton begins in the next segment. “Congratulations, I’m sure you were pretty nervous on the Lions announcement day but I was pretty certain you were going to get selected. Ever since Rugby World Cup 2023 really, I think you really showed the world that you are one of Wales’ world-class players.
“Enjoy the series, show everyone what you’re about and I’m sure you’ll fly the flag for Wales and do Britain and Ireland really proud. Can’t wait to see you go, mate, hell of a player, can’t wait to watch you go. Good luck, Jac.”
Ending with a message from the one of the game’s greatest-ever players, McCaw says: “Hi Jac, just want to say congratulations on being selected in the Lions. Amazing achievement and I just want to wish you all the best for your trip to Australia. Get stuck into the Aussies. Cheers, mate.”
“Pretty special to have messages from them as well,” Morgan replies having watched two legends of the game address him. “You know, when I was a youngster they were probably two of the best opensides in the world. Watch them play and everything they’ve achieved in their careers and to be able to get that message from them is great.”
