**Rugby Round-Up: Superstar Jac Morgan Sought by Rebel League, Lions Player Withdraws from Training, and Coaching News in North Wales**
Wales and British & Irish Lions flanker Jac Morgan appears to be at the centre of a mounting tug-of-war within rugby as a much-discussed breakaway league, R360, designates the Ospreys standout as a headline target. Interest from this controversial new project is mounting at a time when European clubs, particularly those in France’s Top 14, are also vying for his signature.
The 25-year-old’s hopes have soared off the back of his significant contribution to the Lions’ hard-earned Test series victory over Australia this summer. His current Ospreys contract runs until the end of the approaching season, but persistent reports suggest that Morgan is being put forward for lucrative moves—both to the R360 league and to several top French outfits, with July 2026 looming as a potential start for any switch.
R360, the brainchild of ex-England World Cup winner Mike Tindall, former Bath boss Stuart Hooper, and agent Mark Spoors, is touting itself as a bold force for “generational change in rugby”. Their plan is to create a franchise competition involving 12 squads and some of the sport’s brightest talents—French maestro Antoine Dupont said to be amongst their most sought-after athletes.
Reports indicate that R360 has set a tight September deadline to sign 200 players for its initial pool, with the first shortened season pencilled in for September-December 2026. Only eight matches are planned for the debut campaign. As part of its appeal, the league promises players 12 weeks of annual leave and up to two family reunions, with possible locations for teams being Tokyo, London, Dubai, Cape Town, Boston, and Miami.
WalesOnline previously reported that a small contingent of Welsh internationals have already agreed preliminary terms. Further speculation from RugbyPass suggests Morgan’s agents are actively negotiating with Top 14 clubs for a possible post-Ospreys career move.
Elsewhere, the British & Irish Lions are preparing for a crucial climactic Test against Australia in Sydney. However, England winger Tommy Freeman, a starter in the first two Tests which sealed the series, has pulled out of training at the last minute owing to fatigue. Lions management have tried to quash rumours of an injury-related absence, asserting the decision is linked to managing his workload rather than any fitness issue.
Lions forwards coach John Dalziel remains adamant that the squad will remain focused on their goal. “This group has set their sights on achieving a clean sweep,” he said, adding, “Our motivation is as high as ever. Australia showed last week just how challenging an opponent they are, and we know we have to find that last push.” He noted that, as the squad seeks to complete an unbeaten tour, the message is clear: “We want to put in a full 80-minute performance for our supporters back home.”
If Freeman cannot play, Lions selectors are likely to turn to Ireland’s James Lowe and Mack Hansen, as well as Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe, as possible replacements for Saturday’s high-stakes finale.
Meanwhile, in north Wales, former England international Jon Callard has joined Super Rygbi Cymru side RGC in a coaching support capacity. Callard, renowned for his tenure as Bath’s prolific points scorer and for his five England caps in the 1990s, brings with him a wealth of experience from his coaching spells with Bath, Leeds, and the England set-up.
RGC General Manager Alun Pritchard hailed the appointment, saying Callard’s insight will “prove invaluable as we develop the next generation of north Wales rugby talent”. Callard will assist both the senior side and academy ahead of the upcoming SRC campaign, further highlighting RGC’s ambition to grow their coaching infrastructure.
As rugby undergoes a period of significant change, with rival leagues emerging and player movement persisting apace, Welsh rugby finds itself once more in the crosshairs of a shifting global landscape—one where opportunity and uncertainty walk hand in hand.