**Wales Rugby Star Describes ‘Disgusting’ Training as Lions Prospects Get Assessed**
Thursday evening’s rugby news is dominated by stories of grit, ambition and renewed contracts across the UK and beyond, as Welsh and British stars prepare for the summer’s highly anticipated Test fixtures. The efforts by Wales’ rugby players to adapt to challenging conditions, alongside updates from top Premiership clubs and insights into the British and Irish Lions’ camp, headline what has been a compelling day for rugby fans.
One of the most striking revelations comes from the Wales training camp, where rising talent Macs Page opened up about the severe training methods implemented as the squad prepares for its summer tour of Japan. Speaking candidly in a chat with colleague Taine Plumtree, Page did not mince his words about the intensity of the fitness and conditioning sessions, describing the experience as the “hardest thing I’ve ever done.” In a bid to help the squad deal with the soaring temperatures expected in the Far East, the coaching staff at the Vale of Glamorgan base have reportedly ramped up gym temperatures to over 38°C. Page labelled the sessions “disgusting,” underlining the level of commitment demanded of international players even before they set foot abroad.
These revelations signal the lengths to which coaching staff, led by Matt Sherratt, are willing to go to ensure the squad is ready to perform at its peak in foreign conditions. Players new to the squad like Page have also reflected on the emotional significance of their selection, with Page recounting how informing his family of his squad inclusion left his mother in tears—an authentic reminder of the pride and personal stakes involved at this elite level.
Attention also turned to British and Irish Lions preparations, with rugby legend Sir Clive Woodward weighing in on the prospects of Wales’ Jac Morgan. Morgan has been named to start in the Lions’ warm-up clash against Argentina in Dublin, a notable endorsement given the wealth of back-row talent in this year’s squad. Woodward noted that Morgan, one of just two Welshmen in the group, has “stood out at international level in a team that has struggled,” and suggested the flanker is capable of cementing his place in the squad for the Test matches in Australia, pending strong performances.
There’s no shortage of competition among the Lions’ loose forwards, with Morgan lining up beside established names such as Tom Curry and Ben Earl. The back row remains a hotly contested sector, with the likes of Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan in the mix. According to Woodward, Morgan’s selection is well-deserved, but he will have to maintain his high standards to retain a place for the marquee encounters Down Under.
In club rugby news, Scotland fly-half Finn Russell extended his commitment to Bath Rugby, agreeing to stay with the Gallagher Premiership side until 2028. Russell has been instrumental in Bath’s resurgence, helping them secure their first Premiership title in nearly three decades. His tally of over 420 points in 45 matches underscores his value to the club, and his presence is expected to be pivotal as Bath seeks further success with new signings and a burgeoning core of young players.
Bath’s head of rugby, Johann van Graan, was effusive in his praise, highlighting Russell’s professionalism, family values, and integration into the club—attributes that, he believes, have made a significant impact in the changing fortunes of the Somerset outfit. Van Graan’s transformation of Bath from basement dwellers to champions is a storyline that continues to capture the imagination of supporters domestically and abroad.
Meanwhile, veteran England scrum-half Danny Care voiced strong support for his Harlequins teammate Marcus Smith, who has been selected to start the Lions’ pre-tour fixture at full-back—despite being displaced from his usual fly-half position. Care suggested that Smith’s adaptability may have worked against him at times, but insisted that the 26-year-old remains a player of rare talent, possessing the potential to scale new heights with the Lions this summer.
Care also touched on the competitive environment surrounding the Lions’ fly-half roles, highlighting the contrasting styles and form of Russell, Fin Smith, and Marcus Smith. Each player’s unique qualities, he remarked, give head coach Andy Farrell valuable tactical options for the Australian tour—a luxury that may ultimately serve the Lions well in their quest for a series victory.
The week’s rugby news offers a vivid snapshot of the intensity, competition, and personal drama that typifies the elite level of the sport. As the summer tours approach, all eyes will be on how these individuals and teams translate their preparations into performances on the international stage—while supporters hope for more inspiring moments both at home and abroad.