**Pride and Emotion Sweep Tiny Welsh Village as Rugby Hero Jac Morgan Captains Wales**
As Wales prepares for a major rugby showdown this Saturday, there’s a special kind of anticipation resonating far from the stadium—nestled in the Swansea valley, the modest village of Cwmtwrch finds itself nearly deserted, its residents rallying en masse behind their local hero, Jac Morgan. The village, with a population that could barely fill a single grandstand, is making sure their voices are heard thousands of miles away, as one of their own leads the Welsh national rugby union team.
Central to this wave of pride is Bertie Roberts, a man whose emotional investment in Morgan’s journey is as profound as any family member’s. Once the young Jac’s coach at Cwmtwrch RFC, Bertie has watched Morgan develop from a promising junior into the captain of his country. So integral is his role in Morgan’s formative years, that Bertie jokes he is now “more famous than Jac” – a sentiment echoed humorously by the locals. But beneath the laughter are genuine tears, as the magnitude of the moment hits home.
Bertie is hardly alone in his feelings; Cwmtwrch has emptied out as supporters, friends, and family travel halfway across the globe to Australia. The journey was plotted nearly three years in advance, with hope that Morgan would make the squad. When his captaincy was announced, enthusiasm soared, and plans turned into tickets. “When the announcement came, it was just overwhelming,” recalls Bertie. Such dedication underlines the deep roots rugby has in these Welsh valleys, where local heroes rapidly attain legendary status.
The camaraderie among the travelling supporters is palpable. Bertie confesses that his emotions sometimes get the better of him, earning him the affectionate nickname “Tiny Tears” among the group. Fellow supporter Emma Morris confirms, “Everyone knows—the whole of Cwmtwrch! Even Jac’s familiar with Bertie’s tears.” Indeed, friends and supporters predict that Saturday will see even more tears as pride and passion overflow.
For these fans, supporting Wales is about more than tribal loyalty; it’s an act embedded in their way of life. Even as they’ve navigated new cities abroad, encountering Welsh compatriots is almost inevitable. “You can hardly find someone who isn’t Welsh—perhaps we all flock to the same haunts,” quips Bertie, referencing the unofficial diaspora forming in Australian pubs and streets during match week.
Saturday’s game takes on added poignancy because, for many, it marks a lifelong dream. Cwmtwrch RFC, Morgan’s formative club, has only ever produced one other international—Clive Rowlands, a rugby icon in his own right. “Clive would have been so proud of Jac,” Bertie remarks, struggling to keep his emotions at bay. The pride of a small club feeding into international success is a narrative cherished in grassroots sport.
Morgan himself has not forgotten where he comes from. Despite the pressures and accolades of international rugby, he regularly keeps in touch with his Cwmtwrch mentors and friends. “I always remind him—play with a smile,” Bertie notes. It’s a philosophy visible in Morgan’s play and much appreciated by his supporters, who find in him a humility and approachability that belies his on-field ferocity.
Supporters include families Morgan has babysat for—Emma Morris playfully reminisces that at times, the kids may well have been babysitting him instead. Such anecdotes speak volumes about the deep connections between Morgan and the Cwmtwrch community. “He’s always got time for you,” Emma says. “You won’t hear anyone say a bad word about him.”
As match day looms, those from Cwmtwrch know they will form a lively enclave within Melbourne’s massive arena, representing the heart and soul of their village. Regardless of the result, these supporters have already won in their unwavering devotion to a young man who exemplifies the very best of Welsh sport—integrity, humility, and, above all, a passionate heart. Bertie sums it up best: “He plays with heart – with ‘calon’ – and that’s why he’s our captain.”
On Saturday, when Jac Morgan’s name rings out in the stadium, it is certain that somewhere in the crowd, the tears and cheers of a tiny Welsh village will echo louder than anywhere else.