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Wales Online
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Jac Morgan has just been left lost for words after receiving special surprise from Lions
Jac Morgan has just been left lost for words after receiving special surprise from Lions Welshman Jac Morgan is set to start for the Lions against Argentina in Dublin tonight Wales and Lions star Jac Morgan watching the messages from his family (Image: British & Irish Lions ) Jac Morgan faces one of the biggest nights of his burgeoning career this evening but he'll do so in the knowledge that he has some special people behind him. The Wales skipper has been named in Andy Farrrell's British & Irish Lions XV to face Argentina in Dublin tonight in the curtain-raiser for the tour Down Under this summer. Morgan is just one of two Welshmen in Farrell's squad - Tomos Williams has been selected among the replacements in the Irish capital - and will be representing not only his country but his loved ones and community too. Ahead of his first-ever appearance for the Lions, Morgan has been sent a number of messages from his family, with one or two famous faces sprinkled in as well. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Former Lions skipper Sam Warburton and world rugby legend Richie McCaw both sent the Ospreys man their best wishes, but it is perhaps the messages from his grandparents and parents that prompt a lump in the throat after the Lions media team surprised him with a video compilation. Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below "Good luck for the next few weeks, I'm so, so proud of you, and I can't wait to see you soon," his girlfriend says. "Tough saying ta-ra," Morgan responds. "When you are going away for a long time, but to be able to have them there, to be able to share it with them because, you know, everything that my parents especially did when I was a youngster was take me to rugby and stuff. So being able to share it with them and having them out there to support will be fantastic." His grandparents then come on screen, with his grandmother, speaking in Welsh, saying: "I just want to let you know, just enjoy yourself," with his grandfather adding "and good luck, you've got a massive opportunity here because you've played well enough to be there, so prove that you are special." "And enjoy each minute with your new friends. Don't forget us now. Just enjoy, love," he gran ends with, before his grandfather adds: "And I tell you what, everyone in Brynamman wants you to do well." Morgan's parents then deliver their messages to their son, with his mum beginning: "Hiya Jac! Good luck to you on the beginning of your Lions tour, it's a massive honour and we're so proud of you." "All right Jac?" his father begins. "There's an outstanding opportunity in front of you, so get your head down, work hard and more than anything enjoy it. Do you best." His sister adds: "Good luck, all the best, I'll see you out there!" "It is nice, it's pretty special to be able to get the messages," Morgan says after watching the videos from his nearest and dearest. "It's great. Lost for words, in a way." "Jac, good morning," Warburton begins in the next segment. "Congratulations, I'm sure you were pretty nervous on the Lions announcement day but I was pretty certain you were going to get selected. Ever since Rugby World Cup 2023 really, I think you really showed the world that you are one of Wales' world-class players. Article continues below "Enjoy the series, show everyone what you're about and I'm sure you'll fly the flag for Wales and do Britain and Ireland really proud. Can't wait to see you go, mate, hell of a player, can't wait to watch you go. Good luck, Jac." Ending with a message from the one of the game's greatest-ever players, McCaw says: "Hi Jac, just want to say congratulations on being selected in the Lions. Amazing achievement and I just want to wish you all the best for your trip to Australia. Get stuck into the Aussies. Cheers, mate." "Pretty special to have messages from them as well," Morgan replies having watched two legends of the game address him. "You know, when I was a youngster they were probably two of the best opensides in the world. Watch them play and everything they've achieved in their careers and to be able to get that message from them is great."
Wales Online
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Lions make historic change and Wallabies start mind games with swipe
Today's rugby news as Lions make historic change and Wallabies start mind games with swipe The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Andy Farrell's Lions team will have names on the backs of their jerseys tonight (Image: Getty Images ) These are your morning headlines on Friday, June 20 Lions shirts to bear names The British & Irish Lions will wear names on the backs of their shirts for the first time against Argentina this evening. Andy Farrell's side take on the Pumas in a warm-up match in Dublin tonight in preparation for their three-Test tour of Australia. And for the first-ever time, the touring side will enter the field with the players' names on their jerseys. This practice has been commonplace in football for the best part of three decades but in rugby it is a relatively new thing. The 2024 edition of the Six Nations saw each union have names on shirts. It is understood the name will be placed above the number on the back of the jersey. The new development is being viewed as a positive to help market the game to the global masses. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney said in 2022 of England's move to do it: 'We think player names on shirts may have the potential to bring fans closer to the international stars of our game and we look forward to seeing the reaction to this initiative.' Schmidt takes swipe Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt has aimed a swipe at the Lions' foreign-born stars, labelling Bundee Aki and Sione Tuipulotu the 'southern hemisphere centre partnership'. Article continues below The Lions have already hit back at Schmidt's comments, with Richard Wigglesworth, the Lions assistant coach, believing the comment to be a distraction method. Schmidt actually handed Aki his Ireland debut and was generally complimentary, but first said: 'Yeah, the southern hemisphere centre partnership, they'll be pretty formidable.' He added: 'I coached Bundee for a number of years and know him really well. I respect him massively as a player. Sione I've had glancing conversations with. You don't get to be captain of a national team without being a great bloke and really professional.' Wigglesworth responded: 'I think it's [been said] just to get guys like you to ask a question and to take us away from the thing that is a hell of a lot more important. 'I don't know if they are questioning their commitment. Everyone has earned the right to pull on the Lions jersey. They are, to a man, incredibly proud to be here and we've not talked about anything around your background or how you have got here, it is what sort of player you are and what sort of man you are, and we have got great men and great players.' Wood: Give Lions players next summer off Ireland legend Keith Wood believes players who tour with the Lions should be given the following summer off to avoid burnout. The rugby schedule is becoming increasing congested, with seasons crammed in around international windows and tournaments. Wood is well placed to comment on the potential risks to players, having toured with the Lions in 1997 and 2001. And he feels player welfare should be brought into consideration. He said: 'The Lions could be the last bastion for some of the original Corinthian values of the sport and I don't think that is overplaying it. 'The Lions should never be marginalised into a smaller window and I am a big proponent of player welfare and players are playing for far too long in the season and far too much rugby is going on and the level of hits are so much bigger. 'I am in awe of some of the fitness levels of the players and I am happy enough for the Lions to always be in a four-year window but I wish the following year they would have no summer tour for the players that go on it. 'They need a summer off in a four-year cycle and we want these players to play on and on because they are that good. I had two tours a year after my Lions tours and they were extraordinarily difficult. 'What the Lions takes out of you needs some time to put back in and what it takes out of you is this huge mental and physical toll that you have to go through to understand how everyone else plays in about four weeks. It's incredibly intense and worth every single bit of it. 'A Lions tour that succeeds tends to put everything that makes you good as a player and as a team out on the table for everyone else to see. All your strengths and weaknesses and that is one of the hardest things you can do. 'On a Lions tour, it doesn't guarantee success but by God does it go a long way to loving those guys you are with. I lose it when I see the guys from 97 – these are guys we put our bodies on the block together and it was that honesty that goes into it. 'My dad played for the Lions in 1959 and I grew up in Lions house and I love it for what the players are going to experience (in Australia) and it is one of the pinnacles you can have in your career and all you want is that they embrace it with that level of honesty and they can see every bit of it and that is pretty magic.' Borthwick wants 'as many England players as possible' with Lions By Robert O'Connor, PA England head coach Steve Borthwick wants 'as many England players as possible' involved with the Lions as he prepares an unfamiliar line-up to face France at Twickenham on Saturday. There are five uncapped names in an experimental England squad that was announced on Thursday, three of whom are set to start the match, with 14 players currently in Dublin with Andy Farrell's side for Friday's game against Argentina following Jack van Poortvliet's call-up this week. Amongst those playing from the start in west London will be Gloucester centre Seb Atkinson, selected after an impressive year in what was only a second professional season at Kingsholm for the 23-year-old, during which he ranked top in carries, tackles, and passes amongst centres in the Premiership. With this summer's tour of Argentina and the United States overlapping with the Lions' time in Australia, Borthwick is looking forward to experimenting with his side beyond Saturday's non-cap international. 'We've spoken very publicly, we want as many England players in that Lions squad as possible,' he said. 'JVP is over there at the minute with them. There might be situations where other England players join that squad and we'll be delighted for our players to do that. 'It creates opportunities for others in the England squad. What I'm seeing so far this week is players grabbing that opportunity. 'Seb Atkinson, starting at 12 this week, the way he has embraced training, the way he's jumped into it. He's smashed every record we have on GPS in terms of his running. 'We have a group of players – Sladey (Henry Slade), Tommy Freeman, Freddie Steward – Seb has come in and put himself right in that mix or even just above that. When that happens, you're raising the standard of everybody.' Also set to start on Saturday is Bath flanker Guy Pepper fresh from a starring role in Saturday's Premiership final win over Leicester. The 22-year-old, who was awarded man of the match as Bath ended a 29-year wait for the title, was called up to train with the team during the 2024 Six Nations having made an impression on Borthwick during his time at Newcastle. 'You've seen enormous growth in Guy,' he said. 'The first time I met Guy was about 18 months ago at a hotel in Newcastle airport. I had a coffee with Guy and watched his game the next day. 'He hurt his hip and had to leave the field after about 30 minutes but in that 30 minutes he played so well. I thought then this is a player that's got a future in the England team. 'Since then his game has grown and grown. You saw his performance Saturday in the Premiership final, he's been tremendous. I'm looking forward to seeing him at this level.' Borthwick pointed to the emergence of Tom Curry for England in 2017 when the Lions were touring as reason why Saturday's non-cap match should be respected. 'The way change happens is, when opportunity comes along, somebody grabs it,' said Borthwick. 'The players understand that. 'The number of players in 2017 who emerged on that tour that summer who played such significant roles in a team that went to the World Cup final a few years later in 2019, the likes of Sam Underhill, Tom Curry, Mark Wilson emerged on that tour. Article continues below 'That's the opportunity that presents itself this summer.'
Wales Online
a day ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as Wales star reveals 'disgusting' training regime and Morgan's chances rated
Tonight's rugby news as Wales star reveals 'disgusting' training regime and Morgan's chances rated These are the rugby stories making headlines on the evening of Thursday, June 19 Jac Morgan warms-up during a training session (Image:) These are your headlines on the evening of Thursday, June 19 Page reveals 'disgusting' training regime Macs Page says training sessions in the intense heat at Wales' Vale base have been the hardest thing he's ever done. Matt Sherratt is busy preparing his side for their two-Test tour of Japan this summer and has been putting his players through a gruelling schedule in order to help them acclimatise. Temperatures in the Far East will reach sweltering levels during their visit and in preparation for the conditions, the heating in the gym at the Vale has been turned on to get temperatures up to more than 38°C. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Article continues below Sitting down in conversation with team-mate Taine Plumtree, the pair discussed what it's been like in their first week in camp. "The highlight was probably that chamber," Page began. "That's probably the hardest thing I've ever done. Yeah, it's disgusting. Getting used to that heat and being able to work in it. It's been good getting training. "All the boys have been good getting around me." Page, new to the squad this summer, said there had been a few tears when he told his family of his call-up. "The first person I told was my dad, I FaceTimed him and told him," he added. "Then I FaceTimed my mam," to which Plumtree asked "any tears?" "My mam was crying yeah!" he replied. "No tears from me." Page has earned some rave reviews for his performances in a Scarlets jersey last season and hopes a debut in the red of Wales could be the cherry on the top. "Well, that's the dream, isn't it, someone growing up in Wales, that's what you dream of," he said. " If I get that opportunity, it's obviously a proud day for me and my family if it happens and the people that have helped me the last few years." Woodward: Morgan good enough to start Tests Former Lions head coach Sir Clive Woodward says Jac Morgan is good enough to start in the Tests against Australia this summer but needs to show it. Morgan has been handed a first start under Lions chief Andy Farrell in the warm-up match against Argentina in Dublin on Friday night. Farrell has gone strong in the Lions' first proper hit-out, with Morgan named alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl in the back-row. Morgan will know he has stiff competition for his shirt but Woodward believes he has the talent to make the jersey his own, if he shows what he's all about. "There are only two Welshmen in this Lions squad - Morgan and scrum-half Williams," Woodward wrote in his Mail column. "Wales have had such an awful time of it in the last two years or so. "But I've been hugely impressed with flanker Morgan. To stand out as he has at international level in a team that has struggled so badly is very, very impressive. "He fully deserved his Lions selection and it's great for him that he starts against Argentina. "Alongside Tom Curry and Ben Earl, Morgan forms part of a very dynamic back-row. I like what I see in that area. "The back row is probably the most competitive area of this Lions squad and there are the likes of Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan still to come into the equation. "Morgan is good enough to start the Tests. He just has to show it." Russell signs new deal By Rachel Steinberg, PA Scotland fly-half Finn Russell has signed a new deal with Bath that will keep him at the Gallagher Premiership champions until 2028. The 32-year-old kicked 13 points and added an impressive interception in Saturday's 23-21 victory over Leicester to inspire Bath to an historic treble and first Premiership title in 29 years. Russell, who joined Bath in 2023, has made 45 appearances and scored 420 points in all competitions, and finished the 2024-25 Premiership season with 183 points. 'I have loved my time here at Bath,' the British and Irish Lion told the club website. 'It's a great team and a great club. We've come a long way over the last couple of years and I am really looking forward to staying here and seeing what the club can achieve. 'The fans have been outstanding since I got here. We've had some big results at home and that's just our way of giving back to the fans and trying to represent them in the right way.' 'The way the club is developing and with the young players coming through, the belief and confidence that we've got week-to-week is just growing. There are some brilliant new signings coming in as well who will be great additions to the club and I can't wait to get started next season.' Bath head of rugby Johann van Graan, who has transformed the Somerset side from rock-bottom finishers in 2021-22 to league champions, added: 'It's amazing news. 'Finn is one of the world's best 10s, a player who performs in the big moments and more importantly he's an incredible team man and a family man. 'He is one of the lads, his training is exceptional, and he's added so much to our group. 'It's great that he'll be staying on at Bath Rugby and continuing his journey with the blue, black and white.' Care backing Smith to make mark By Ed Elliot, PA Danny Care has tipped 'incredible' Harlequins team-mate Marcus Smith to hit greater heights as he bids to make his mark with the British and Irish Lions. Smith began this year's Guinness Six Nations as England's first-choice fly-half before being shifted to full-back and dropped to the bench due to the emergence of rival playmaker Fin Smith. In preparation for this summer's series in Australia, the 26-year-old will start Friday's pre-tour send-off fixture against Argentina in Dublin in the Lions' number 15 jersey, with namesake Fin selected at 10. Care believes his long-term half-back partner has been a victim of his own versatility and also suffered at international level due to an underwhelming season for Quins, which concluded with a seventh-placed finish in the Gallagher Premiership after a 62-0 thrashing by Leinster in the last 16 of the Investec Champions Cup. Fin Smith, meanwhile, helped Northampton finish runners-up to Bordeaux in the European competition following last season's Premiership title triumph. 'I don't think he's got anything to prove,' former England scrum-half Care, speaking of Marcus Smith, told the PA news agency. 'He played in the autumn internationals against some pretty good teams not long ago and everyone was saying he's England's best player and he was wearing the 10 shirt. 'Unfortunately, I think Harlequins' form probably hasn't helped because we've not been playing in the big games, or giving ourselves a chance in those big games this season, whereas Northampton have been playing really well and got themselves to a European final. 'My belief in Marcus' ability is he's still going to get better and better; he's already incredible and he deserves everything he gets.' Marcus Smith was a late addition to the 2021 Lions squad as injury cover for Finn Russell but did not make a Test appearance during the series defeat in South Africa. Russell is the other fly-half selected by head coach Andy Farrell this time around, with fellow Scotland star Blair Kinghorn and Ireland's Hugo Keenan the alternatives at full-back. Following the Aviva Stadium clash with Los Pumas, the Lions will fly to Australia to prepare for Test matches against the Wallabies on July 19, 26 and August 2. 'They are three very different 10s, which I think is great for Andy,' said 38-year-old Care, who will officially retire from professional rugby at the end of this month. 'Maybe there are games where he can pick and choose a certain style that maybe he wants to see. 'Obviously Marcus almost suffered from his own success in a way: he's so good at playing 15 as well that he's so interchangeable. 'I'd imagine you're going to see him in a 10 and a 15 jersey this summer, whereas the other two are out-and-out 10s.' While the two Smiths took part in last week's Lions training camp in Portugal, Russell only joined the group on Monday after becoming a Premiership champion with Bath on the back of Premiership Rugby Cup and European Challenge Cup glory. 'I've been a massive Finn Russell fan ever since playing against him, seeing him throwing some of those incredible passes, unlocking our defence with England a few times,' said Care, who won 101 England caps and made a record 395 appearances for Quins. 'And Fin Smith has come in and taken to international rugby so well. I've been blown away by his professionalism. Article continues below 'He's a wise head on young shoulders but he's a real confident lad and it's shown again with the Lions that it's timing: if you get your timing right and you can get in and play really well in that Six Nations and your club form is good then you can find yourself on a Lions tour. 'Three different 10s to choose from and each of them would deserve a pick, so I'm looking forward to seeing how they go.'
Wales Online
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Sam Warburton's new life after shock announcement and final act that changed everything
Sam Warburton's new life after shock announcement and final act that changed everything The Lions cohort of 2025 is embarking on their latest journey, but Warburton is among the pantheon of greats for the touring team Sam Warburton with his wife, Rachel, and three kids; Anna, Max and Lily (Image: Instagram/Sam Warburton ) It seems almost inconceivable it has been seven years this week since Sam Warburton stunned the rugby world when, at just 29, he announced his retirement from the sport. The Welsh rugby great left an indelible mark on the game for his achievements in the red of both Wales and the Lions. He has since carved out a fine career for himself following retirement and is renowned as one of the finest rugby pundits on our TV screens. When this summer's Lions kicks off on Friday night in Dublin, for the warm-up match against Argentina, he will be behind the microphone, providing his typically insightful, expert analysis. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. The former Wales and Lions captain had endured a career plagued by injuries and ultimately made the decision to walk away a year after leading the Lions to a memorable drawn series against New Zealand. He had taken time out from the sport after that tour and never actually played again. During a distinguished playing career, Warburton earned 74 Wales caps — 49 of them as captain — and won two Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam. He also led the Lions in two unbeaten Test series and made 106 appearances for Cardiff, helping the Arms Park side lift the Amlin Challenge Cup in 2010. Sam Warburton's new career Seven years on, Warburton has carved out a successful second act as a respected pundit. He is a lead analyst for BBC's coverage of the Six Nations and a familiar voice on the Rugby Union Weekly podcast. His work also includes media columns with The Times and his own podcast, Captains, while he is also a regular fixture on TNT Sport's Premiership coverage. This summer, he is part of Sky Sports' Lions punditry team. Article continues below Outside of broadcasting, he runs the SW7 Academy, a fitness programme designed for athletes of all abilities. In 2023, Warburton returned to Cardiff Rugby as a board member, having previously had a brief spell in an advisory role before joining Wayne Pivac's Wales coaching team. However, with Cardiff Rugby having fallen into administration and then being bought out by the WRU, Warburton announced his resignation from the board back in April. He cited the demands of his media commitments and his staunch belief in reducing the number of regional sides in Welsh rugby as being key factors in his decision to step down from the board at Cardiff Rugby. He has rarely shied away from voicing strong and passionate opinions about the game. He recently reignited debate around relegation from the Six Nations, suggesting that the bottom-placed team should face a play-off — particularly if Wales finish with the Wooden Spoon again. He has long advocated for the inclusion of dominant Rugby Europe champions Georgia in the top tier and, of course, reducing the number of professional rugby clubs in Wales. Off the field, Warburton's life is grounded in family. He married childhood sweetheart Rachel Thomas in 2014, and the couple — who grew up on the same street in Cardiff — now have three children. 'Three little ones and a dog — we're done!' he joked after the birth of their youngest, Lily, in 2023. Looking back, Warburton has no regrets about retiring young. Speaking on a podcast with Dr Alex George, he reflected: 'Do I miss it? Absolutely not. I loved it when I did it, but the reward of a long, healthy family life outweighed the risk of continuing to play rugby.' Warburton, who was awarded an OBE in 2018, remains one of Welsh rugby's most admired figures — not just for what he achieved on the pitch, but for the clear-sighted, grounded life he's built since stepping away. The final act of a great rugby career Indeed, perhaps his final act on a rugby pitch summed him up best – and is pertinent given the Lions tour is just about to get under way in earnest once again. Warburton was at the centre of a defining moment at the end of a gruelling, nail-biting and tightly-fought contest between the Lions and New Zealand in 2017. 'In a Test career full of great moments, one in particular sticks in my mind,' said Warren Gatland, the then Lions coach, at the time. 'His captaincy in the third Test for the Lions in New Zealand, in a game finely balanced and potentially historic, was exemplary. The New Zealand media were mightily impressed by him, and rightly so.' Gatland was referring to the final stages of the decisive third Test at Eden Park, where the Lions and All Blacks were level at 15-15. In the dying minutes, referee Romain Poite appeared poised to award New Zealand a match-winning penalty after Ken Owens had picked up a knock-on from Liam Williams in an offside position. The decision to penalise Ken Owens was not upheld thanks to Sam Warburton But Warburton, demonstrating composure and awareness under extreme pressure, calmly asked the referee to review the decision for potential accidental offside. After a video review, the penalty was downgraded to a scrum — a ruling that preserved the draw and ensured the Lions shared the series with the world champions. Warburton later explained: 'It's a shot to nothing at that point. I just asked him to check for the accidental offside. The whole game [Poite] was receptive to having another look at things he might not have seen clearly at first. 'I'm glad it was a scrum instead. When you think back to the World Cup when that happened with Scotland and Australia and they kicked the penalty — the Scots were angry, and I remember thinking there has to be an alternative. In my opinion, it wasn't a penalty offence.' Article continues below That moment is widely seen as Warburton's final significant act on a rugby field — and one that encapsulated the respect he commanded from officials, team-mates and opponents alike. Gatland's decision to appoint Warburton as Wales captain at just 22 was vindicated time and again. 'Referees listened to him because they admired his decency,' Gatland said. 'He showed everyone respect, and they respected him in return.' That split-second decision in Auckland — not a crunching tackle or a game-breaking turnover — is what Gatland believes defines Warburton's legacy: calm, intelligent, and unshakably principled.
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Andy Farrell abandons Lions Test team exercise and Wales star gets new start
Today's rugby news as Andy Farrell abandons Lions Test team exercise and Wales star gets new start The latest rugby news stories from Wales, the Lions and beyond Lions head coach Andy Farrell (Image: PA Wire ) Here are the latest rugby headlines on Thursday, June 19. Farrell tries and fails to pick Lions Test team Andy Farrell revealed he has tried and failed five times to pick his Lions Test team, admitting it is a pointless task at this stage. Farrell says selection is just too close to call at as he challenged his players to lay down an early marker against Argentina on Friday. Maro Itoje captains the Lions for the first time and is joined in the starting XV by Wales skipper Jac Morgan, while scrum-half Tomos Williams is named on the bench. As many as 14 players could make their Lions debuts before the squad departs for Australia on Saturday and Farrell has demanded they make an immediate impact if they want a shot at facing the Wallabies. 'I did an exercise a couple of weeks ago, and I've done it about five times since, of choosing what the Test side could be,' the head coach said. 'You actually can't even go there because there's such good competition and that's how it should be. 'The exciting thing about Friday night is these guys get to show the team-mates who are sat in the stand what they're all about. Article continues below 'We are looking for cohesion, connection and an ability to attack the game from the off. 'You can give yourself any excuse as far as time together is concerned, but we've had good prep and if you want to be a good Lions player you've got to hit your straps straight from the off.' Furlong has been troubled by calf and hamstring injuries all season, forcing him to miss the entire 2024 autumn series and all but one match of the Six Nations. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. If fit, the three-time Lions tourist will be favourite to start at tighthead prop in the Test series against the Wallabies, but first he must negotiate the curtain raiser against a Pumas side ranked fifth in the world. 'Tadhg is fit and ready to go and train well and as keen as everyone else to get the show on the road,' Farrell said. Farrell delivered positive fitness updates on Jamison Gibson-Park (glute), Huw Jones (Achilles) and Hugo Keenan (calf), stating that all three should be available for the the first match in Australia against Western Force on Saturday week. Argentina were also the warm-up opponents in 2005 when they held Sir Clive Woodward's Lions to a 25-25 draw in Cardiff. 'It's a tremendous opportunity for myself and the whole team. This is our first opportunity to set the standard that we want to be set and be the kind of team that we want to be,' Itoje said. Wales' 'Mr Unlucky' offers fresh outlook Scarlets skipper Josh Macleod is ready to finally start his Wales career properly after a series of cruel setbacks which have continually stalled his progress over the past four years. The 28-year-old was denied a Six Nations debut against Scotland in 2021 after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in training, shortly after his inclusion in the starting team was announced to the squad. The back rower had to wait until the 2022 autumn clash against Georgia to win that first senior cap. But Macleod missed the 2023 World Cup in France with a shoulder injury after being part of Wales' pre-tournament training squad. 'I've had a decent bit of bad luck over the years,' said the twice-capped Macleod. 'This year one of my focuses has been to stay fit and do all I can off the pitch to hit that target. So far, so good. 'I've just kept my head down with the club, trying to perform for the Scarlets. It's great to be back.' Macleod's recall is reward for an impressive season at club level, with his leadership vital in Scarlets being the only Welsh side to make the knockout stages of the United Rugby Championship. He has returned to the Wales camp to provide competition for Taulupe Faletau, Aaron Wainwright and Tommy reffell after being dogged by injury. Wales have suffered 17 straight Test defeats – a record for a tier one nation – since claiming their last victory against Georgia at the 2023 World Cup. Macleod said: 'It was tough at the start not being involved at the Scarlets (through injury), but having played almost every game this year I feel my voice has been heard. 'Obviously we can't shy away from past performances and past results here. 'But I guess not having been involved for a fair while…(I bring) a fresh outlook, a bit of leadership and a calm head.' The back rower acknowledged the challenge posed by an Eddie Jones team as Wales seek to end their winless run in Japan. Former Australia and England boss Jones, now in charge of Japan for the second time, hopes to extend Wales' miserable losing sequence during Wales' two-Test series in the Far East next month. 'I'm not too familiar with him myself but I have heard on the grapevine that he's got certain attributes,' said back-rower Macleod. 'I think we'll find those out on the pitch. 'No Test game is easy, but as a group we haven't shied away from it (losing run). 'We've touched on the fact that we are looking to end that, we've got a job to do in the conditions. 'We've got to pull together and stay tight as a group, look to produce on the pitch and get that win.' James O'Connor left out of Wallabies squad ahead of Lions series By PA Sport Staff James O'Connor is set to miss out on facing the British and Irish Lions after being left out of the Australia squad to face Fiji. The 34-year-old fly-half had been tipped to return to Joe Schmidt's squad for the Lions series, which begins on July 19 in Brisbane. Schmidt has preferred Ben Donaldson, Noah Lolesio and Tom Lynagh as his options at number 10 for the warm-up Test against Fiji on July 6. Western Force back-row forward Nick Champion de Crespigny and Brumbies winger Corey Toole are the only two uncapped players in the 36-man squad. David Porecki returns for the first time since captaining the Wallabies at the 2023 World Cup, while another former skipper, La Rochelle's Will Skelton, is the only overseas-based player included. Schmidt said: 'Selection is always tight and there'll be players who are excited and those that are disappointed. 'As coaches, there was a lot of healthy, robust discussion and we think we've selected a group that will work hard and connect well as a squad. 'There's some continuity from last year, plus a few new or returning players, who have forced their way into the mix through strong performances in Super Rugby Pacific. Article continues below 'This squad's immediate focus is Fiji, and we will need to hit the ground running having not been together since early January.'
