Morgan 'loves' Ospreys amid uncertain future

Wales captain Jac Morgan (centre) was part of the 2025 British and Irish Lions winning side in Australia

Wales captain Jac Morgan says he loves Ospreys as he and his side face an uncertain future with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) proposing to cull a professional team.

Morgan's club future is in doubt with Ospreys' existence under threat. The 25-year-old's contract is up at the end of the season, with the British and Irish Lions flanker linked with a move to English Prem side Saracens.

The WRU last week announced the number of professional men's sides in Wales will be reduced from four to three by 2027.

When asked about his future, Morgan responded: "I love the Ospreys, I love playing there, I love the boys, the coaches and everyone.

"The news [about cutting a side] only came out on Friday, so the main focus for myself is this campaign and we'll see how everything else goes."

Ospreys supporters were told in September the Morgan had warned the WRU he will leave professional domestic rugby in Wales if Ospreys cease to exist.

Welsh rugby's governing body confirmed it proposes to grant three licences for men's clubs. There will be one in Cardiff, one in the east and one in the west, which could result in a straight survival fight between Swansea-based Ospreys and Scarlets in Llanelli.

Morgan, who was speaking at a Wales team media session, was asked directly if it would be his preference to stay in Wales, but a WRU representative interjected and prevented the player from answering the question - claiming Morgan had addressed the issue of his future.

Wales aim to focus on autumn matches

Morgan and new head coach Steve Tandy were present at the first press conference of the autumn campaign, where Wales tried to put to bed questions about off-the-field uncertainty and turn the focus to the four games.

Wales host Argentina on 9 November in Cardiff, with games on successive weekends against Japan, New Zealand and South Africa to follow.

Tandy has taken charge of Wales for the first time amid the backdrop of the potentially huge upheaval in Welsh rugby, with no set date given about when the reform will occur.

Tandy says there has been a meeting with Welsh players and WRU director of rugby Dave Reddin to discuss the issue.

"I am empathetic to the situation and boys want to be there for each other," said Tandy.

"There is still tiny bits of uncertainty but the more we are collaborative the better and make sure we do not avoid those conversations. We know we can't run away from it as coaches.

"The boys have been unbelievable. They have responded well with the way they have addressed that situation coming into camp."

Tandy accepts players will be concerned about their futures.

"They are human, they have families and as coaches, parents and a husband, you understand that," said Tandy,

"If you have empathy and talk about things, you can have that resolution. Sometimes things get frustrating if there is no avenue to go and speak about it."

Trying to avoid the distractions

The WRU decision was announced just three days before Tandy met up with his first Wales squad for the autumn Tests.

"I don't think there's ever a good time for decisions to be made," said Tandy.

"I've had lots of conversations with players so I haven't been focusing on the timing of the announcement.

"No matter when it gets announced, there will be always someone or something that will be criticised.

"The focus for me is the autumn. I'm still super-excited to get this group together and you see the buzz in and around the boys on Monday."

Tandy hopes the squad will not be distracted by the off-the-field concerns.

"It's tiny margins and there's always going to be distractions in lots of different places for people," said Tandy.

"What I've seen of this group, they are passionate to play for Wales and represent the country well. They want to represent their regions and where they come from.

"So there are distractions, but these boys are professional when they set foot on the training field and in the environment."

Tandy says Wales are still hopeful Bristol wing Louis Rees-Zammit could be fit for the opening game against Argentina on Sunday, 9 November.

Rees-Zammit has returned to the Wales squad after returning to rugby from American football but is battling a foot injury.

Wales' 2025 autumn Tests

All times GMT and at Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Sunday, 9 November - Wales v Argentina (15:10)

Saturday, 15 November - Wales v Japan (17:40)

Saturday, 22 November - Wales v New Zealand (15:10)

*Saturday, 29 November - Wales v South Africa (15:10)

*Outside World Rugby's autumn Test window