WRU vows to fix system after Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake exits

Double blow sparks urgent response

The departures of Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake have been described as a hammer blow for both the Ospreys and Welsh rugby as a whole.

The WRU is already in the process of restructuring the professional game, with plans to cut the number of regional teams from four to three. But the exits raise fears that Wales’ best players could increasingly be based in England.

“We want Welsh talent at the heart of the system”

A WRU spokesperson said:

“We are striving to build a world‑class system in Wales to maximise the potential for the success of our professional clubs and national teams.

We want Welsh talent to be at the heart of the system. We are, of course, disappointed when players leave the system in Wales.

But we are also realistic that top‑class players will get opportunities to explore new experiences and to challenge themselves as they develop their careers.”

Contracts guaranteed, academy to return

The WRU says all existing player contracts have been guaranteed, with financial support pledged for new signings. Letters have been sent to regional clubs and the Welsh Rugby Players’ Association confirming backing for priority deals.

Plans also include the return of a national academy to strengthen the pathway and produce more elite players.

Still eligible for Wales

Both Morgan and Lake will remain eligible to represent Wales despite signing for Gloucester. The controversial 25‑cap law is currently under review.

The WRU added:

“As we work to create a truly world‑class rugby environment in Wales in the next years, we hope that players like Jac and Dewi – and others – will come back to Wales. We wish them both the very best in the meantime – and we still have them at the heart of our national game from an international perspective.”

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Jac Morgan to leave Ospreys at end of season

Lions star bids farewell

Since making his debut, Jac Morgan has racked up 51 appearances for the Ospreys, captained both club and country, earned his Wales debut and toured with the British and Irish Lions.

Head Coach Mark Jones said:

“I think I speak for everyone at the club when I say Jac will be sorely missed. He is a tremendous player and leader that always gives his all when he is on the pitch.

As a club, we have always done our upmost to keep our most talented players, and that certainly was the case with Jac. Unfortunately, these matters are sometimes taken out of your hands, especially under the current circumstances in Welsh rugby.”

“Ospreys will always hold a special place”

Jac Morgan said:

“This was an extremely difficult decision for me to make, but I hope our supporters can understand the reasoning behind me wanting to pursue a new challenge.

The Ospreys is a club that will always hold a special place in my heart… I am looking forward to the new challenge ahead, but until then I will be working hard to get back to full fitness and giving 100% for the team until the end of the season.”

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Ammanford charity teams up with WRU and Royal Foundation to open mental health hub at Principality Stadium

The Jac Lewis Foundation, set up in the Carmarthenshire town in memory of local footballer Jac Lewis, will run weekly drop‑in sessions at the stadium offering free, confidential support from qualified counsellors.

The service, which opens on Wednesday 17 September, was unveiled on World Suicide Prevention Day during a visit by the WRU’s Patron, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales.

Expanding reach from Ammanford to the national stadium

The hub is based on the Foundation’s existing model at other sporting venues, including Swansea City AFC, and will operate one day a week for the next three years with funding from The Royal Foundation.

It forms part of the WRU’s wider player welfare strategy, complementing initiatives such as the ‘Rugby Safe’ training programme and safeguarding policies.

Jac Morgan: “A charity close to my heart”

Wales international and British & Irish Lion Jac Morgan, who grew up in the Ammanford area, attended the launch alongside Men’s Head Coach Steve Tandy.

Jac Morgan said:

“It was great to be here today for the Jac Lewis Foundation, which is expanding into Cardiff. They’ll be holding drop‑in sessions weekly at the Principality Stadium with support from both the WRU and The Royal Foundation.

The Jac Lewis Foundation was set up in Ammanford, which is where I went to school. So it’s a charity that I’ve been aware of and known for a number of years. There’s a lot of volunteers I know from that charity who were here today. It’s been great hearing the different activities and workshops they do and how much support they’ve given to people in the community.”

The Jac Lewis Foundation works to reduce stigma around mental health, provide accessible professional support, and train community wellbeing mentors.

The WRU says the new hub will be open to anyone in the rugby community or wider public seeking help.

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Wales and Ospreys star Morgan brings festive cheer to Swansea children’s ward

The flanker, who also plays for the Ospreys, found a few budding rugby stars and was able to give them good advice for their future careers.

It’s the third year running that Jac has visited the ward to spread some Christmas cheer alongside his sponsor A.T. Morgan & Son of Swansea.

The haulage firm are regular fundraisers for our official charity, Swansea Bay Health Charity, having donated more than £12,000 over the past three years, which they have raised through a variety of events including a truck pull.

The truck pull will also be back in September next year raising funds for the South West Wales Cancer Centre at Singleton Hospital.

Fundraising support manager Lewis Bradley said:

“We’re extremely grateful to A.T. Morgan & Son for being a long-term partner of Swansea Bay Health Charity, having contributed an exceptional amount of money over the past three years.

“We would also like to thank Jac for taking time out from his busy schedule to come and visit the ward once again. There was a lot of up and coming talent on the ward who also play flanker, so they were in disbelief that Jac had come to visit.”

[Lead image: Swansea Bay University Health Board]

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