**Division Grows as Jac Morgan’s British & Irish Lions Place Remains Uncertain**
As the British & Irish Lions prepare to face the Wallabies in their eagerly anticipated first Test this coming weekend, debate is raging amongst rugby pundits and former players regarding the inclusion of Wales star Jac Morgan. Despite a string of strong performances on the current tour, there remains significant uncertainty as to whether Morgan will feature in Andy Farrell’s starting line-up for the opener in Australia.
Morgan’s contribution on the pitch has been difficult to ignore. In last Saturday’s emphatic victory over the invitational AUSNZ XV, he once again demonstrated his typical work-rate, racking up tackles and making his presence felt at the attacking breakdown. It was a display that highlighted the qualities that have made him a standout for Wales and the Ospreys, providing a platform for others around him to flourish.
Nonetheless, competition for back row spots within Farrell’s squad is currently at fever pitch. The likes of Tom Curry, Ireland’s Josh van der Flier, and England prospect Henry Pollock are all pressing for selection, each bringing their own attributes to the table. The crowded field has left pundits divided over whether Morgan’s consistent displays will be enough to secure him a place when selection is finalised later this week.
Notably, a number of respected voices within rugby media have overlooked Morgan when naming their predicted Test XVs. Ronan O’Gara, the Irish rugby legend turned La Rochelle head coach and Sky Sports pundit, has preferred an all-Irish back row of Tadhg Beirne, van der Flier and Jack Conan. O’Gara has argued for the value of existing combinations and the varied skills offered by potential bench options such as Ben Earl and Henry Pollock, labelling some as “hybrids” capable of covering several roles on the pitch.
The Independent has also omitted Morgan from its starting XV, instead opting for Tom Curry, though the Welshman is included in their extended Lions squad. Such decisions reflect a broader trend among analysts who continue to favour tried-and-tested partnerships, especially those with an Irish core, despite Morgan’s impressive form throughout the summer.
However, Morgan does not lack supporters. Former England flanker Neil Back has been vocal in his admiration, suggesting he would select Morgan “100%” were it solely his decision. Back has also commented on the importance of Welsh representation in the Lions side, alluding to the tradition and pride associated with the tour. Even so, he acknowledges that Farrell is likely to side with familiar faces such as van der Flier, citing the advantage of loyalty and experience.
Assessment of Morgan’s most recent outing has varied depending on the publication. The Telegraph awarded him six out of ten for his performance against the AUSNZ XV and described his chances of starting the first Test as slender. MailOnline, in contrast, rated him an eight, while Rugby Pass scored him at seven. Crucially, there are still voices who back his inclusion. The Telegraph’s Charlie Morgan floated a back row of Curry, Jac Morgan, and Conan, emphasising the vibrancy duo sevens could bring, even if it requires some calculated risk on Farrell’s part.
There is also weight from Lions luminaries, as both Sir Ian McGeechan and Sam Warburton – veterans of previous tours – have included Morgan in their ideal starting sides. Their endorsements offer a reminder that experience and an eye for performance at the highest level remain essential in Test rugby.
As anticipation builds ahead of the Test series, the broader expectation is that familiarity and trust may ultimately guide Farrell’s decision more than recent tour form. Many speculate that van der Flier, a mainstay of the Irish set-up and trusted by Farrell, could edge out Morgan when the team sheets are revealed on Thursday.
At present, the most commonly predicted Lions XV according to the aggregate of various rugby pundits is: Blair Kinghorn at fullback; wings Tommy Freeman and James Lowe; centres Huw Jones and Sione Tuipulotu; fly-half Finn Russell with Jamison Gibson-Park at scrum-half; in the forwards: Ellis Genge, Dan Sheehan, Tadhg Furlong, Maro Itoje (captain), Joe McCarthy, Ollie Chessum, van der Flier and Conan. The bench is expected to feature the likes of Ben Earl, Tadhg Beirne, Andrew Porter, and Mack Hansen.
Ultimately, while Jac Morgan’s fate remains in the balance, his influence on the tour has been unmistakable. Whether he is trusted for the first whistle or not, the ongoing debate about his place is testament both to his quality and the fierce competition that defines a Lions tour. The final selection – to be announced shortly – will undoubtedly spark considerable reaction, both in Wales and across the rugby community.