**Jac Morgan’s Flight Delay Sets Stage for Dramatic Lions Call-Up Reveal**
Wales rugby captain Jac Morgan may have missed the live broadcast unveiling his British and Irish Lions selection, but the moment still sparked joyous celebrations at 30,000 feet. The 25-year-old flanker, who has led his country with tenacity and resilience during challenging times, was confirmed as a Lion for the first time on Thursday, joining head coach Andy Farrell’s 38-man squad for this summer’s Australia tour.
Morgan’s selection unfolded under unusual circumstances. The Ospreys, his regional club side, were en route to Durban ahead of a Friday evening United Rugby Championship clash with the Sharks. At the time the highly anticipated Lions announcement took place—broadcast live from London’s O2 Arena—Morgan and his teammates remained airborne due to an internal flight delay within South Africa.
Ospreys’ initial plans had been to mark the announcement while travelling by bus from the airport to their hotel. The club, like many others, had encouraged staff to record players’ real-time reactions for fans online. Unfortunately, the squad’s late landing meant Morgan wasn’t able to tune in live to see legendary Lion Ieuan Evans reveal the team on stage to a global audience.
Back in Wales, anticipation was mounting. Rugby supporters and pundits had widely debated Morgan’s inclusion, given fierce competition for back-row spots and Wales’ difficult form on the international stage—an ongoing run of 17 Test defeats painted a bleak backdrop.
Confirmation of Morgan’s selection eventually reached the Ospreys mid-flight. Ospreys CEO Lance Bradley admitted on social media that he was uncertain whether Morgan yet knew of his selection, noting, “I wonder if he’s found out yet, because I know their internal flight in South Africa was delayed, so they were in the air when the announcement was made.” Bradley added his congratulations, describing Morgan as “brilliant for club and country, on and off the field. Really well deserved.”
Shortly after the squad’s arrival, the Ospreys published a video capturing the moment when the news filtered along the airplane aisles. In the footage, an excited cry of “Yes, Jacky boy!” rang out, immediately followed by a round of heartfelt applause from his teammates. The warm tribute illustrated the respect Morgan commands within his club environment, underlining his growth as a leader since taking on the Wales captaincy.
Morgan’s inclusion in the Lions squad defies the tough competition among back row candidates across Scotland, Ireland, England and Wales. His selection also carries a poignant note for Welsh rugby—only two Welshmen have secured original selection in this year’s touring party, with Gloucester scrum-half Tomos Williams the second, marking Wales’ smallest touring contingent since 1936. For context, every Lions squad since 1993 has included at least five Welsh players, and previous tours since 2001 have typically seen Wales contribute into double figures.
Such historical context adds yet greater significance to Morgan’s achievement. Despite Wales’ woes on the Test stage, his consistent performances—combining powerful carrying, tireless defence, and sharp leadership—made his case irresistible to selectors. His Lions call-up offers a glimmer of positivity for Welsh supporters craving good news after a lean period.
For Morgan, and his club the Ospreys, the celebrations in that cramped aircraft cabin will be cherished as a once-in-a-career memory, regardless of missing the fanfare of a live broadcast. The incident also highlights how modern professional rugby unavoidably intersects with packed travel schedules, digital connectivity, and the reality of learning life-changing news in the least glamorous of surroundings.
Looking ahead, attention will now shift rapidly to Australia, where Morgan will aim not just to earn the iconic red jersey but to cement his place among the elite. Meanwhile, for Welsh rugby’s faithful, Morgan’s selection serves as a rare beacon of hope—a sign that individual excellence can still shine, even in the face of broader challenges.