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.
JAZZ Richards has swapped one set of Bluebirds for another.
The former Cardiff City defender has signed for Haverfordwest County.
The 29-year-old’s move is subject to FAW clearance and sees the full-back return to football after being released by Cardiff last year.
Richards attracted interest from Sheffield Wednesday, Luton Town, Oxford United and Bristol City last summer, meaning this is a huge coup for the Welsh Premier League side.
The former Wales man set tongues wagging when he posted a picture of himself in Swansea training gear on social media last November.
He went on to post a blank shot which featured the caption: “Rolling back the years! Let’s go.”
But it transpired that Richards was just training with Swansea’s under-23s in a bid to stay fit while he hunted for a new club.
He has now found new employers, and he could be available for selection against Aberystwyth in the Cymru Premier tomorrow if clearance is granted.
County chairman Rob Edwards said: “We are absolutely delighted to complete the signing of Jazz. He is a true professional who has played at the highest level for club and country.
“His ability, experience and knowledge of the game will be a huge asset for the rest of the season and will no doubt raise the levels of those around him too.”
Richards made 51 appearances for Swansea before joining Fulham in 2015 via loan spells with Crystal Palace, Huddersfield Town and the Cottagers.
He made the move to Cardiff in 2016 and made 57 appearances during his four seasons with the Bluebirds. He won the last of his 14 Wales caps against Spain in 2018.
THE New Saints have sacked manager Scott Ruscoe and his assistant Steve Evans in the wake of the goalless draw at home to Bala Town at the weekend.
Even though it was the first game at home this season Ruscoe’s side haven’t won, it meant they lost their advantage over arch-rivals Connah’s Quay Nomads, who now trail them by a point with a game in hand.
Ruscoe has been at the club as player assistant manager and manager since 2002. He took over as manager in 2017.
The club’s head of coaching Christian Seargeant will take temporary charge of team affairs.
It could be all change at the top of the JD Cymru Premier League tomorrow when reigning champions Connah’s Quay make the short trip to lowly Flint Town United knowing that a win would take them two points ahead of TNS.
Third-placed Bala, who like the top two have only lost once this season, were full value for their point on the road. It took them to within nine points of the top, with a game in hand, but crucially opened things up for the Nomads.
Goals from veterans George Horan and Mike Wilde ensured Andy Morrison’s men hit back to beat Newtown 2-1 at home despite being down to 10 men for much of the game following Jamie Insall’s dismissal in the 24th minute.
That made life more difficult than it should have been for the defending champions on their return to action after an 11-week lay-off and they were forced to come from behind after Alex Fletcher opened the scoring in the 16th minute.
It was Newtown’s second game in a week and they were hoping for a second win to move them further away from the relegation zone. But the champions, with new signing Neil Danns proving influential in midfield, hit back to take the points and stay within striking distance of table-topping The New Saints.
Danny Williams earned Haverfordwest County a firsthalf penalty against Cardiff Met and then the home striker calmly stroked home the spot-kick for the only goal of the game. It meant the Bluebirds were able to move seven points clear of the students in the race for the championship play-off.
A 90th-minute free-kick from Jamie Veale earned Aberystwyth a draw at Caernarfon Town. Nathan Wood was the match-winner for Penybont at Flint Town with the only goal of the game.