### Andy Farrell Moved by Welsh Support and Squad Unity After Lions Test Wins
British and Irish Lions head coach Andy Farrell has spoken of his emotional reaction after encounters with Welsh supporters, following his decision to include Wales captain Jac Morgan in the matchday squad. The coach, who has consistently championed selection based on merit rather than nationality, has made it clear that Morgan’s presence is the result of his outstanding performance rather than a desire to achieve representation from all four home nations.
Morgan was initially sidelined for the Lions’ opening Test in Brisbane, a move that disappointed many in Wales. However, that disappointment was short-lived, as Morgan was brought onto the bench for the second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. His debut performance contributed to a remarkable comeback victory, allowing the Lions to clinch the series in dramatic fashion.
Speaking ahead of the third and final Test in Sydney, Farrell confirmed that Morgan would once again be amongst the replacements, underlining his trust in the Welsh flanker’s abilities. This decision has clearly resonated with Welsh fans, many of whom have gone out of their way to express their appreciation directly to Farrell.
“I’ve had quite a few Welsh people come up to me over the past week to shake my hand,” Farrell revealed. “I’m truly pleased for Jac. He’s earned his place, and that’s the simple truth. The way he has performed whenever given the opportunity speaks for itself, and that has to be at the heart of all our decisions.”
When pressed on whether he felt satisfaction in ensuring Wales had a representative among the squad, Farrell retained his stance. “I cannot get away from what I’ve said the whole time,” he emphasised. “Everyone who’s here is a Lion, first and foremost. Yes, we know where everyone comes from, but you have to judge every member of the squad on their individual merit. That’s how it must be.”
Farrell’s selection process, while prioritising form and performance, has inevitably led to notable omissions. With a wealth of talent at his disposal, players such as Josh van der Flier and Henry Pollock will leave the tour without having appeared in a Test match. Yet, Farrell was quick to praise the response from those not selected, highlighting the exceptional camaraderie that has developed within the group.
“We came together from the beginning with the understanding that the only thing that matters is the collective squad,” Farrell explained. “There’s been no separation, no division. Whether someone played last week or not, everyone has pulled together and supported one another. Modern rugby isn’t just about the starting 15—it’s about the 23, and for us, it goes even further. It’s about the entire touring party, whether that’s 38, 41, or 44. The unity is palpable.”
Reflecting on the squad’s mood after the Lions’ series-sealing victory in Melbourne, Farrell was moved by the scenes in the changing room. “It really hits home how much it matters to everyone. The players who hadn’t even played were celebrating just as passionately as those on the pitch. When we regrouped to announce the squad for the next game, the support and mutual encouragement was there all over again. Training was intense but uplifting—everyone giving their all for the group.”
The Lions now prepare to face Australia in Sydney, aiming to achieve a clean sweep not seen since the famous unbeaten tour of 1974. As the touring party looks to enter the rugby history books, Farrell’s focus on unity and merit seems to have inspired all involved—regardless of how many minutes they have spent on the field.
For Morgan, the sense of reward is evident, not only for himself but for Welsh supporters who are seeing their captain shine on the international stage. For Farrell, the experience has reaffirmed his faith in team spirit and the value of honest, merit-based selection.
As the Lions camp looks towards their final challenge, the atmosphere of mutual respect and pride stands as a testament to one of the tour’s enduring values: that every squad member, playing or supporting, contributes to the team’s legacy.