Huge coup for Ospreys as Morgan makes move

THE Ospreys have confirmed the signing of Jac Morgan, one of Welsh rugby’s rising stars, from arch rivals Scarlets.

It’s a significant coup for the Swansea-based region, luring in a player who is already producing consistently fantastic performances at regional level.

He is currently third in the Guinness PRO14’s turnover stats and has put in a number of eye-catching performances so far this season.

Morgan will join up with the Ospreys in preparation for next season, much to the delight of head coach Toby Booth, who currently only has one specialist openside flanker – Justin Tipuric – at his disposal.

“There were two things that stood out when I met Jac and that was his maturity and obvious leadership skills,” said Booth.

“He is a very level-headed and intelligent young man who was very clear about what he wanted to do and achieve in the game and how he wanted to go about it.

“The second thing was that he is extremely ambitious as a player and knows what he wants to work on and what he needs to do.

“Those attributes are exactly what we need to keep us moving forward.”

Conversely, it’s a real blow to the Scarlets and a move that will disappoint the fanbase in Llanelli, seeing a young, highlyregarded local lad heading for pastures new.

But Glenn Delaney’s side have Josh Macleod, James Davies and Dan Davis as opensides and, with his contract up this summer, Morgan has decided to leave.

The former Wales Under20s captain is earmarked as a player with a long future at the professional level and has future Welsh international stamped all over him.

The 21-year-old openside flanker will now be learning his trade under the guidance of Wales and Lions openside Tipuric and is likely to see plenty of game-time when the 31-yearold heads off to international camps.

On the move, Morgan said: “I am excited to be joining the Ospreys as I believe that it is the right place and timing for me in this stage of my career which will be a new and exciting challenge.”

Both the Ospreys are Scarlets are in Guinness PRO14 action on Friday evening.

The Ospreys make the trip to Glasgow and the Scarlets travel to Munster.