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Proud Welshman Morgan hopes for Lions Test spot

Proud Welshman Morgan hopes for Lions Test spot

BBC News22-07-2025
Wales flanker Jac Morgan says he is determined to make Wales proud as he targets a British and Irish Lions Test team place.Morgan, who missed out on selection to Tom Curry in the first Test, played 50 minutes in the 24-19 win against the First Nations Pasifika on Tuesday before being replaced.Despite there being only one Welshman in a squad of 45 players, Morgan received a massive cheer as the names were read out at the Marvel Stadium.The Ospreys captain is aware of the support he's receiving from the thousands of Welsh fans who have made the journey.''It's hard to put into words," said Morgan.
"I'm obviously chuffed and I'm trying to make everyone proud in a way."I've heard a couple of the cheers. It's great to have the support. There's a lot of Welsh out here."
'It would be a massive honour'
Morgan is no stranger to a fierce contest for the seven shirt in a red jersey and has approached a similar battle on this tour with hard work and drive. The 25-year-old has been unfazed by any selection debates and headlines that arose last week when the first Test side was named.Curry was given the nod at seven and excelled in the 27-19 win in Brisbane, with the second Test taking place in Melbourne on Saturday.''The last week has been no different," said Morgan."I've had the opportunity today and I just try and train and perform the best I can. It's a highly competitive position and Tom Curry was outstanding on Saturday. "He's a great player and so is Josh (Van der Flier), so the competition is always high in that position and we try and get the best out of each other.''Lions head coach Andy Farrell confirmed Irish lock Joe McCarthy has not trained this week following a foot injury.While there is still time for him to recover for the second Test in Melbourne, he remains a serious doubt for the weekend.If McCarthy is ruled out, it would mean a forward addition to the Test squad with a number of different bench combinations possible, including another back rower included.On the big stage of a Rugby World Cup, Morgan captained Wales to their greatest ever win against Australia in 2023.He admits it would be some achievement to face the Wallabies while representing the Lions.''It would be a massive honour and a very proud moment to be selected.," said Morgan.
Welcoming Tandy to Wales
Morgan, who captained Wales during the 2025 Six Nations, has also welcomed the announcement of new head coach Steve Tandy.He has left his role as Scotland defence coach - a position he has held since 2019 - to fill a vacancy created by Warren Gatland's departure in February."It's great to be able to have a head coach now so we can look to the future," said Morgan."I've spoken to a lot of the boys and they've all said he's a great coach, but more than that he's a good bloke as well."
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