Jac Morgan: Destiny calls for new Wales captain

It is almost destiny that has brought Jac Morgan to the Wales captaincy.

Born in the same valley as one of the most respected and beloved of Wales leaders, this young and dynamic back-row has been earmarked for the armband from an early age.

Yet curiously it would be a word from a referee that would ultimately swing it.

Now his first game as skipper comes against England in Cardiff – just as it did for Cwmtwrch native, Clive Rowlands, 60 years ago.

That he should lead Wales just days after Rowlands died adds even greater poignancy to his appointment.

Morgan was born and bred in nearby Brynamman but with no junior side in the village for his age at that time, he went to play for Cwmtwrch.

“It means so much. I was fortunate enough to know Clive for years. I played with his grandson for Cwmtwrch juniors,” said 23-year-old Morgan.

“Every Sunday, Clive would be down watching us boys play and had a great effect on us all. He was such a role model and what he’s done for the village has been brilliant. It has been great to know him.”

Hailing from the same school as Wales’ all-time leading try-scorer Shane Williams – Ysgol Dyffryn Aman – Morgan has been on a seemingly relentless rise since those days playing in the Amman Valley, brushing off disappointments like opponents on the pitch.

He led Wales at under-18s and 20s level but was forced to switch from Scarlets to Ospreys following a contract dispute. He duly led the United Rugby Championship for turnovers in his debut senior season.

His potential was immediately recognised by Mike Ruddock, Ospreys development director and the man who famously delivered a Grand Slam in 2005.

“Jac has the potential to just keep growing and improving. He is still a young fella and without realising it, he has fantastic leadership qualities already,” said Ruddock previously.