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Wales Online
11 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
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
3 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Lions team announcement Live: Andy Farrell names side to face Argentina
Andy Farrell names his British & Irish Lions team to face Argentina today. The six-week tour starts with a clash against Los Pumas at the Aviva Stadium on June 20, and it will be the first time in Lions history that a fixture has been held on Irish soil. The two teams will contest for the 1888 Cup. The last time they faced each another was 20 years ago in Cardiff, which resulted in a 25-25 scoreline ahead of that year's tour of New Zealand. There are just two Welshmen in the squad for this year's edition - the lowest representation since the Lions began. However, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams are top-class players and will be hopeful of earning a place in the starting XV. Over the weekend, news broke that Jamison Gibson-Park, who is widely considered to be the starting Test scrum-half ahead of Williams, had been pulled from Leinster's matchday squad for their United Rugby Championship final win over Bulls. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. England international Jack van Poortvliet has been called up to train with the Lions ahead of the Argentina match. He was named as part of Steve Borthwick's 36-player training squad for their upcoming internationals, but will now offer his qualities to Farrell. It remains to be seen whether Gibson-Park will make the tour, but we should get more information about this in Farrell's press conference later today. Scotland star Zander Fagerson was ruled out of the tour with a calf injury, so Irish prop Finlay Bealham has been called up as his replacement. England duo Jamie George and Asher Opoku-Fordjour also joined the squad for their six-day training camp in Portugal. The team announcement is expected to be made at 2pm. Scroll down for live updates
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Sport
- Wales Online
Today's rugby news as Rees-Zammit makes bold summer call and star says being in Wales was 'pretty tough'
Today's rugby news as Rees-Zammit makes bold summer call and star says being in Wales was 'pretty tough' The latest rugby news from Wales and around the world Former Wales winger Louis Rees-Zammit (Image: Sky Sports ) Here are your rugby headlines for Tuesday, June 17. Rees-Zammit: Lions will win Test series 3-0 Louis Rees-Zammit believes the British & Irish Lions will trounce Australia 3-0 in the Test series this summer. The former Wales wing, who went on the Covid-hit 2021 tour to South Africa, believes the calibre of the Lions players will be too much for the Wallabies and they will comfortably overpower their opposition. Rees-Zammit admitted during an interview with Sky Sports that he misses playing rugby for Wales and would doubtless have been a contender for this summer's tour had he not quit the sport for a shot at the NFL last year. But, speaking four years on from his Lions experience, the Jacksonville Jaguars player predicted: "I personally think they will 3-0 them. But I know Australia in Australia will be tough, but I think there's enough talent in that Lions squad that it will be too much for Australia. "But we will see. I think there will be some great Tests." There are only two Welshmen on this summer's tour to Australia, Jac Morgan and Tomos Williams. And Rees-Zammit believes Morgan has got a real shot at starting the Test matches, although his fellow '21 tourist, Tom Curry, will provide stern competition for him. 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 "The likes of Jac Morgan has got a chance," he said when asked who he thought would be in Andy Farrell's Test team. "Tom Curry, I was with him in 2021 and I think he has got a really good shot to start. "Then you've got someone like Tommy Freeman who has had an amazing year for Northampton and England, he will be a great threat on the wing. It's a strong team, everyone is going to be great additions this year. I'm excited to see how they do in Australia. "Because of the tour in 2021, me, Tom Curry and Marcus Smith were like the younger group on that tour, we had a great bond so I will definitely be wishing those boys luck. "Tomos Williams is my former team-mate and he has had an amazing year. And Jac Morgan as well. I'm really looking forward to seeing how those boys will thrive in Australia." Williams: Being in Wales was pretty tough Lions scrum-half Tomos Williams says the last couple of years has been "pretty tough" on the international front. Williams is just one of two Welshmen in the Lions squad for this summer's tour - and indication of how difficult things have been at Test level for Wales over the past two seasons. Williams' form for club side Gloucester has remained constant though and his inclusion in Andy Farrell's touring party is well deserved, despite Wales' woes. "Being in Wales was pretty tough, especially over the last couple of years playing internationally," said Williams. "I think the move to Gloucester helped me a lot and given me a break from the international rugby as well and it is nice to go back there. "The way we played suited me and I have got a lot to thank Gloucester for." Williams added that he hoped to do his country proud Down Under, alongside Morgan. "I try not to put too much pressure on myself, but it is just me and Jac [from Wales]," added Williams. "I don't want to speak for him but we are so hugely proud. "It is such an honour to represent your country and the Lions and hopefully we can do them proud." Sexton quizzed on Lions squad make-up Johnny Sexton says he wasn't surprised by the record number of Irish players selected for the upcoming British and Irish Lions tour — and believes head coach Andy Farrell's decisions are fully justified. Farrell, who has also led Ireland since 2019, initially named 15 Irish players in his 38-man squad for the 2025 tour of Australia, with Connacht prop Finlay Bealham added last week following Zander Fagerson's withdrawal through injury. Among the Ireland contingent are 12 Leinster players, three from Connacht, and one from Munster, making up a significant portion of the squad. While some have questioned the imbalance, Sexton pointed to Ireland's recent track record as ample justification. 'Ireland have done pretty well over the last few years — winning the [Six Nations] championship last year, the Grand Slam the year before,' said Sexton, now a kicking coach on Farrell's Lions staff, according to the BBC. He suggested that selection decisions often take a long-term view. 'With some players, coaches look at form over eight or nine years. It's not just about playing well in one or two games during the Six Nations — sometimes you take a broader perspective.' Sexton also highlighted how familiarity with Farrell's coaching methods could have played a role. 'They know the way Andy coaches, they understand the system. It didn't surprise me. Historically, when a Welsh coach was in charge and Wales were doing well, the squad had a Welsh majority,' he added. 'I think it's the same here — the teams that performed best in the Six Nations got selected.' While some observers have raised concerns about perceived national bias, Sexton was philosophical. 'Everyone has their own opinion — that's the beauty of sport,' he said. 'You can go through the players and ask, 'Who exactly are you leaving out?' From what I've seen over the last three or four years, these players have performed consistently.' He also noted the strength of Ireland's performance against England in this year's Six Nations opener as an example of their high standards. Reflecting on the selection process, Sexton praised Farrell for his diligence and fairness. 'I've never seen such a thorough process. Every combination, every player was discussed in detail,' he said. 'Andy did all those players justice — he did the work, asked the right questions, and picked the squad he believes gives the best chance of winning the tour.' S4C land Lions TV coverage S4C will broadcast live free-to-air coverage of the opening match of the 2025 British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, marking a historic first in partnership with Irish broadcaster TG4, it has been announced. The two public service broadcasters will collaborate to bring fans the Lions' first-ever fixture in Ireland — a clash against Rugby World Cup semi-finalists Argentina at Dublin's Aviva Stadium on Friday. S4C's coverage will be fronted by Sarra Elgan, joined by former Lions and Wales internationals Ken Owens, Jamie Roberts and Mike Phillips, who will provide expert insight and analysis across the channel's platforms. In addition to the opening fixture, S4C will also offer same-day highlights of every game throughout the tour, bringing key moments and expert reaction to viewers each evening. While Sky Sports retains exclusive live rights for the full tour, this new free-to-air partnership offers fans free access across the UK and Ireland. A post-match vodcast will also be available after each game in Australia on S4C Clic, BBC iPlayer, and S4C's YouTube channel, hosted by Elgan and the pundit team, offering in-depth reaction, discussion, and behind-the-scenes content. S4C's head of sport, Sue Butler, added: 'We're delighted to bring free-to-air live coverage of the Lions' opening match to audiences in Wales and across the UK. This historic fixture in Dublin is a fitting way to begin what promises to be an exciting summer of rugby on S4C.' S4C will also broadcast the second Test of Wales' tour of Japan on 12 July. Welsh and English commentary will be available for the Lions v Argentina fixture, with Welsh commentary also available on all highlights programming. Former Llanelli captain dies The Scarlets have announced the passing of former Llanelli captain Aubrey Gale. Article continues below The former forward, who notched up almost 200 games for the West Walian outfit, has passed away at the age of 89. "We are saddened to hear that former Llanelli captain Aubrey Gale has passed away at the age of 89," the Scarlets wrote in a statement. "Aubrey played close to 200 matches for the club between 1956 and 1964, leading the side for the 1961-62 season. "A versatile forward, who played in the back row, second row and front row, he appeared against the touring South African, Australian and New Zealand sides during his career. "The thoughts of everyone at the Scarlets are with Aubrey's family and friends at this sad time." The Scarlets' supporters' X account added: "Sad news…Aubrey was our oldest living Scarlets captain until his passing. Our thoughts and condolences go to his family & friends."
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Darts star screams X-rated rant about his ‘b******s' live on stage at World Cup
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DARYL GURNEY yelled about the size of his "b******s" during yesterday's World Cup of Darts final. The Northern Irishman was in action alongside team-mate Josh Rock in Frankfurt. 4 Daryl Gurney was buzzing during the World Cup final 4 The Northern Irishman was amped up in front of the crowd Gurney and Rock took on Welshmen Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton in a tense final. With his team leading 8-7, the Londonderry thrower couldn't contain his emotion. After nailing his throw, Gurney appeared to bellow: "I've got the f***ing biggest b******s on this f***ing stage." Fans watching on at home loved the outburst. READ MORE IN SPORT NOT A GOOD LUKE Is Littler and Humphries' friendship a facade? Inside their World Cup fail One wrote on X: "Daryl Gurney you are box office." While a second gushed: "You gotta love the darts." Another added: "Absolute quality." Northern Ireland went on to win the incredible final 10-9. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK 4 Gurney, 39, helped his nation to glory Credit: Getty Following his team's triumph, Gurney made a gross tongue-in-cheek admission. He told Sky Sports: 'Firstly congratulations to Wales. They showed their class. Jonny and Gezzy, absolute legends of the game. Daryl Gurney and Josh Rock break down in tears as Northern Ireland win World Cup of Darts in final leg decider "Josh had the power-scoring and I just had to clean up the finishing. "I hope I don't get a fine for this but every time I went for double five a wee bit of poo fell out! "I was never going to miss double eight. "I have never been so proud of this man and myself."
