Wales coach explains why rising Welsh talent has been completely overlooked this summer
Wales coach explains why rising Welsh talent has been completely overlooked this summer
He is one of the best prospects in British rugby but won't be in action this summer
Morgan Morse in action for the Ospreys
(Image: Getty Images )
Wales U20s boss Richard Whiffin believes rising Ospreys star Morgan Morse will come back stronger after his shock omission from the summer tour to Japan.
Morse is one of the brightest backrow prospects in the British game, with many pundits expecting the Ospreys backrower to tour with Wales this summer. The 20-year-old also remains eligible to represent Wales U20s in the U20s World Cup later this month but instead will get the summer off.
"In terms of Morgan, he is being looked after," said Whiffin.
"He was in the selection mix for the senior squad and Matt Sherratt has gone down the route of picking incredible experience in terms of Taulupe Faletau and Aaron Wainwright with more than 150 caps. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
"In terms of the Welsh Rugby Union and Ospreys' point of view, we had the conversation last year in terms of that being his last Under-20s World Cup.
"It was his third and he was already competing well in terms of URC. We had committed to that plan.
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"He will probably be at home frustrated, but he will come back rip-roaring."
Morse is a sensational talent with huge potential and it is only a matter of time before he breaks into the senior national squad.
The powerful backrower scored a long-range try from deep inside his own half for the Ospreys against Cardiff on New Year's Day 2024.
He is an explosive carrier who rarely fails to get over the gainline, is outstanding at the breakdown and has a number of big moments in games. Join WalesOnline Rugby's WhatsApp Channel here to get the breaking news sent straight to your phone for free
And Whiffin expects Morse to take the season by storm for the Ospreys in 2025/26.
"He will have a pre-season under his belt, which he has not had for the last three years, because he has been with us," said Whiffin.
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"Everybody's development is different and he was an early developer.
"He is the most capped Wales Under-20s player and certainly done his bit. Get the latest breaking Welsh rugby news stories sent straight to your inbox with our FREE daily newsletter. Sign up here.
"He will benefit from having a good rest period and pre-season with Ospreys and will push his international case even further next season."
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