**Gatland Challenges Jac Morgan After Lions Test Omission: ‘This Is Your Moment to Define Yourself’**
Warren Gatland, the storied former Wales and British & Irish Lions coach, has reached out to Jac Morgan after the Welsh flanker missed out on selection for the highly anticipated first Test of the Lions’ series against Australia. Gatland issued a rallying call not only for Morgan but for all those excluded, emphasising the crucial role they must play even from the sidelines.
Morgan, the only Welsh player in the current Lions touring party, was notably absent from the 23-man squad set to face the Wallabies in Brisbane. Having impressed on the tour and drawing statistical comparisons that have outshone rivals such as England’s Tom Curry and Ireland’s Josh van der Flier, Morgan’s omission has attracted considerable attention among Welsh supporters and rugby pundits alike.
Andy Farrell, head coach for this tour, was faced with difficult selection decisions, eventually choosing the in-form Tom Curry to start at openside flanker. Despite Morgan’s sterling performances and his leadership as Wales captain, he will, for now, have to support his teammates from off the field. Such moments can be challenging for elite athletes, particularly when expectations for involvement were high.
Warren Gatland, reflecting on the fine margins that define top-level rugby, offered a perspective grounded in personal experience. In his regular newspaper column, Gatland addressed those left out, urging them to maintain professionalism and continue pushing the squad forward during the Test series. “To the players not in the 23, I know how disappointed you must be,” he acknowledged candidly.
Gatland underlined the unpredictability of tours, highlighting the reality of injuries and the need for every squad member to be prepared for a call-up at any moment. He advocated for players like Morgan to continue training hard and supporting their teammates, as these actions are vital to overall squad cohesion and success. “Your role now, more than ever, is so important to the squad by doing everything you can to help the team prepare and perform to its potential. That’s what a great team man does,” he explained.
Drawing from his own Lions tenure, Gatland recalled the fierce debate around his decision to drop Brian O’Driscoll, the renowned Irish centre, for the decisive 2013 Test against Australia—a decision which, at the time, generated no small measure of controversy. Gatland praised O’Driscoll’s response, noting the Irishman’s dignity and commitment to the team despite personal disappointment. “He helped the team prepare so, to me, that is what it means to be a British and Irish Lion – putting the team first,” Gatland added.
The message for Morgan is therefore unambiguous: the Test series is not decided after one match, and opportunities can quickly arise. Injuries and tactical changes are ever-present possibilities in high-stakes rugby, meaning a call to action can come at any time. What truly matters, according to Gatland, is how players handle adversity and contribute to the group’s greater cause when the spotlight is shining elsewhere.
Andy Farrell, when questioned about Morgan’s omission, was quick to stress how close the Welshman came to selection. The Lions head coach described the openside flanker contest as “hotly contested”, mentioning the outstanding calibre of all candidates. “That’s the right balance for this Test. The combination of Tadhg [Beirne] and Tom [Curry] gives us the qualities we believe are required, but Jac and others were as close as you can imagine,” said Farrell, making clear that selection was by the slimmest of margins.
Farrell’s comments highlighted the impressive position the Lions currently find themselves in, with outstanding competition for places and depth in almost every position. While the disappointment for Morgan, as well as fellow contenders such as Josh van der Flier and Henry, is clear, their form and professionalism bode well for the squad’s overall morale and future prospects.
As the Lions campaign moves forward, all eyes will remain on how Morgan responds to this setback. His contribution to training and off-field morale could, as Gatland suggested, become part of Lions folklore should he receive a call-up later in the series. For now, Morgan stands as an example of the resilience and character needed in international rugby’s most storied team.