Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Ospreys back row Jac Morgan was Wales co-captain at the 2023 World Cup
CommentsWales captain Jac Morgan has been praised for leading from the front when playing for Ospreys the week after the death of his cousin and "best friend" Harri.
The 26-year-old flanker was named man of the match for an exceptional performance in the tense 21-17 United Rugby Championship (URC) win against Sharks in Bridgend.
Morgan declared himself available to play despite the death of Harri Morgan in the build-up to the Brewery Field fixture.
Playing in a special jersey that was embroidered with a tribute, the open-side scored a try and made telling contributions in both attack and defence.
"He led from the front. He had a tough week and he led exceptionally well and the players got behind him as well," said Ospreys head coach Mark Jones.
"What a way to perform in such a big game as a captain. He was tremendous."
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Published2 days agoAfter an emotional performance on Saturday evening, the British and Irish Lions flanker posted a tribute the following afternoon on social media.
"This week I suddenly lost my cousin and best friend Harri," wrote Morgan under a picture of the pair at Principality Stadium in Cardiff. "He meant the world to us as a family.
"He loved so much about life, but his greatest joy was playing rugby for Brynamman.
"Yesterday I played my game in honour and memory of Harri. It felt important to go out there and make him proud, playing the game that he loved."
Brynamman said that the loss of their vice-captain left "a hole that will never truly be filled".
"A true warrior, immensely talented, and fiercely dedicated, Harri gave everything to the game, to his team-mates and to this club," said a club statement.
Image source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Jac Morgan will leave Ospreys to join Gloucester for the 2026-27 season
Morgan has three games left at Ospreys before leaving for Gloucester, with Friday's Welsh derby at Cardiff (19:00 BST) followed by a final home fixture against Scarlets and a trip to Leinster.
The flanker has rapidly got back to his best after recovering from a dislocated shoulder suffered when scoring for Wales in the autumn opener against Argentina, a blow that meant he could not lead his country in the Six Nations.
"I often think that a team replicates its captain. Look at the effort and care that the players show for each other from the physical aspect, Jac epitomises that," said Jones.
"He then brings the quality around the defence and the attack. His ball-carrying was very impressive against Sharks when gaining metres through contact against such big bodies, and he also sends the opposition the other way and is an absolute pain at the breakdown.