**Welsh Rugby Sees Changing of the Guard as Morse Eyes Senior Call and Lions Veteran Misses Tour**
Welsh rugby is poised for a significant shift as a new generation of talent edges closer to the international stage, while seasoned campaigners face new challenges on and off the field. The latest headlines bring a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, reflecting a period of transition for Wales as preparations ramp up for the summer’s test matches and beyond.
Among the brightest prospects is Ospreys back row Morgan Morse, whose rapid development over recent seasons has seen him tipped for a debut call-up to the senior Wales squad. Morse, a dynamic number eight, made an impression as a teenager with the Wales U20 side, featuring as young as 17 and turning heads with his consistent performances. Now aged 20, his form in regional rugby has seen his stock rise, and prominent figures within Welsh rugby believe his moment has arrived.
Renowned pundit and Welsh Rugby Union board member Jamie Roberts underscored Morse’s credentials, saying, “This is the time to trust in him. Planning for the future, especially with Taulupe Faletau nearing the twilight of his illustrious career, is essential if Wales wishes to remain competitive heading into the 2027 World Cup. Introducing Morse now, and giving him exposure ahead of that tournament, could prove crucial.”
Roberts stressed the importance of balancing experience and youth, explaining that although every effort should be made to win this summer, the selectors should not shy away from handing opportunities to the next wave of Welsh internationals. Morse, according to many, embodies that new generation—ready to learn from senior figures while making his own mark.
Meanwhile, a stalwart of the Welsh national side, Liam Williams, will miss this summer’s tour to Japan as he continues his recovery from a knee injury sustained during the Six Nations. Now 34, Williams’ premature departure from Saracens has left him at a career crossroads, though his determination remains undimmed. He’s still chasing the milestone of 100 Wales caps—he sits just seven shy of that achievement—and is exploring opportunities with new clubs, both at home and further afield.
“I still feel there’s more in the tank,” Williams told the BBC. “My aim is to regain fitness and find a club where I can contribute—hopefully in Wales, lending my experience to the younger lads. Coaching is also something I’m considering for the future, particularly working with other back three players.”
His absence this summer will be keenly felt, but Williams insists that his international career is not finished, and he’s upbeat about returning stronger. The player’s commitment to mentoring younger teammates, and possible future in coaching or consultancy, could be a valuable asset for Welsh rugby well beyond his playing days.
In other injury news, Max Llewellyn’s anticipated return for Gloucester has unfortunately been delayed. The Wales international centre suffered a hamstring injury after the Six Nations and, despite earlier optimism that he would return to action before the end of the Premiership campaign, the rehab process has taken longer than planned. Gloucester’s head coach, George Skivington, admitted frustration at the setback, though Llewellyn is expected to be ready for Wales’ summer tour if selected.
Change is also coming south of the border, as English rugby prepares to launch a revamped second tier. Next season will see the introduction of ‘Champ Rugby’, a 14-team competition, with new playoff structures offering a promotion-relegation showdown with the Premiership’s lowest-ranked side. The shake-up is designed to increase competition and ensure ambitions are rewarded, although questions remain regarding the criteria for promotion and the persistent funding gap between divisions.
Simon Gillham, the incoming chair of the Tier 2 board, acknowledged that discussions over minimum operating standards are ongoing and that the events of last season, which saw Ealing Trailfinders denied promotion, should prompt a re-examination of the process. Ensuring the financial and organisational health of promoted clubs is a central concern for the governing bodies as the new format gets under way.
Further north, Edinburgh are bracing for their must-win final URC league match against Ulster with hopes of play-off qualification—and, potentially, at the expense of Welsh teams fighting for a top-eight finish. Head coach Sean Everitt praised his side’s resilience and spoke of the vital role the club’s supporters have played in their campaign. The return of Harry Paterson and Scotland international James Lang is a boost, as the capital club aims to cap off their season with a statement victory.
As the summer draws closer, Welsh rugby is clearly at a crossroads, balancing the legacies of established stars with the promise and ambition of a new generation. The coming months will undoubtedly shape the landscape for years to come—not just for Wales, but for the wider rugby community across Britain.