**Jac Morgan Shines on Lions Tour, Earning High Praise from Andy Farrell**
Jac Morgan, the dynamic Welsh flanker, delivered a compelling performance in the British & Irish Lions’ recent 52-12 triumph over the Queensland Reds, capturing the attention of both fans and the coaching staff. The match, part of the Lions’ summer tour, saw Morgan claim the coveted player-of-the-match award—an accolade that not only highlighted his individual impact but also signalled his growing influence within the squad.
Andy Farrell, the head coach tasked with moulding the Lions into a formidable unit, was quick to single out Morgan’s effort. Speaking to the media after the match, Farrell remarked, “He was everywhere,” a succinct but telling summary of the Ospreys captain’s commanding display. With the Welsh contingent on the tour dwindling following Tomos Williams’ injury, Morgan’s performance provided a welcome boost for Welsh supporters and for the Lions as a whole.
Statistics from the match underscore Morgan’s all-round contribution. He led the pack for carry metres, amassing 49, and topped the tackles chart with an impressive 21 successful hits. Not content with just ball-carrying and defending, Morgan also helped slow down the Reds’ progress at the breakdown, securing three jackal turnovers. Such numbers underline why he was the stand-out player on the field, with pundits and journalists alike quick to heap praise on the Welshman.
Significantly, Morgan’s display comes at a crucial juncture, as Farrell and his selectors consider combinations for the first Test match on 19 July. The competition for a place in the Lions’ starting back row is fierce, with Morgan’s main rivals including England’s Tom Curry and Ireland’s Josh van der Flier. Farrell’s words following the match—suggesting Morgan could play wherever he likes if he maintains such form—hint at the increasing likelihood of the Ospreys skipper featuring prominently in the Test series.
Farrell was also asked about the possibility of Morgan shifting across the back row to wear the No. 6 jersey for the Tests, to which he gave a diplomatic but positive response. “If he plays like he did today, he can play wherever he wants,” Farrell insisted. The coach went on to highlight Morgan’s offloading, aggression in defence, and overall influence, making it clear the door remains wide open for positional flexibility as the series evolves.
Despite the comfortable margin of victory, Farrell was keen to temper expectations and keep his squad grounded. Reflecting on the team’s overall display, he noted, “It was not flowing, but when we got going we did play some good stuff. Our collision work was good, and that helped us keep them out in the second half. We will always have constant learnings.” His remarks suggested that, while the Lions are building momentum, there remains plenty to refine before the Tests.
Jac Morgan himself was characteristically understated following his player-of-the-match performance, preferring to focus credit on the collective effort. Speaking post-match, he said, “It was a very physical game, especially the first half. It was a tough match, so it was good to get the win. It was a full team performance; we spoke about playing for 80 minutes and that’s what we did. We kept on building, and we will keep on building over the next couple of weeks.”
Looking ahead, both Morgan and the Lions will set their sights towards Sydney and the forthcoming fixtures, with players vying for Test selection and the coaches continuing their preparations. While the make-up of the starting XV remains uncertain, it is clear Morgan has put himself firmly in Farrell’s thoughts, and many will now watch with interest to see whether his dynamic style secures him a starting berth.
As the British & Irish Lions tour progresses, Morgan’s resurgence offers hope not only for Welsh fans but also for those seeking fresh energy and resilience in the Lions’ forward ranks. The coming weeks promise further intrigue as selection battles heat up and the journey towards the first Test gathers pace.