Morgan flies Welsh flag alone in 44-man Lions squad

Jac Morgan has produced some outstanding displays in the number seven shirt

There remains just one Welshman - Jac Morgan - in what will soon be a squad of 44 British and Irish lions in Australia. It's a staggering stat. A barren run of results means there have been few objections thus far though hooker Dewi Lake may feel aggrieved to have been overlooked.

Scots Ewan Ashman, Darcy Graham and Rory Sutherland will join from New Zealand to provide cover for the First Nations & Pasifika XV fixture and will bring the country's representation to 11 players. Graham's inclusion means the Scotland backline who beat Australia in November are now all in the squad.

Ireland meanwhile boast 18 players, 14 from Leinster which equals England's representation. Lions captain Maro Itoje today defended Andy Farrell's decision to expand the squad with some suggesting it devalues the shirt.

''Andy has called them in because they will help us achieve our goal of winning a Test series," he said. "These are all quality players and have achieved things. It's not us and them we are all in this together.

"It doesn't matter if there is a late call-up. We have seen in the past how late call-ups have had a huge impact on the tour in positive ways so I have no doubt everyone will play a significant role."

Head coach Farrell won't be concerned by the optics of the squad split with just one number on his mind. The Lions have played eight and won eight Tests in Brisbane, a record he'll be desperate to retain.