The omission of Welsh captain Jac Morgan from the British and Irish Lions’ opening test team has caused outrage among fans.
This weekend sees the Lions take on Australia in the first of a three-test series.
One of the biggest sporting events of the summer, the Lions brings together the best players from England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales.
Every four years, they combine to take on the best of the southern hemisphere, this year travelling to Australia.
But for the first time in almost 130 years, the Lions’ test team will not feature a single Welshman.
Not since 1896 has a side been named with no Welsh presence in the match-day squad.
And many supporters are far from pleased.
With Jac Morgan not featuring in the 23, this is the first time the Lions have played a Test match against Australia, New Zealand or South Africa without a Welshman since 1896 😳🏴 pic.twitter.com/QsxgwNc1e2
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) July 17, 2025
Jac Morgan Lions Omission Comes As A Shock
Morgan, 25, is now the only Welsh player on tour after countryman Tomos Williams was ruled out of the tour through injury.
The back rower has been impressive throughout, with many tipping him to start the first test.
But despite being the form openside in the warmup games, Lions head coach Andy Farrell has chosen not to include Jac Morgan, either as a starter or on the bench.
Instead, he’s opted to start England’s Tom Curry in the seven shirt, with Ollie Chessum and Ben Earl on the bench as back row cover.
Elsewhere, there was much debate about who would play fullback against Australia for the Lions, after Blair Kinghorn and Elliot Daly both suffered injuries.
The 15 jersey has therefore been given to Leinster and Ireland’s Hugo Keenan.
Andy Farrell admits that leaving Jac Morgan out of the Lions' first Test squad did not come easily 🥺 pic.twitter.com/m1gMui32y1
— Rugby on TNT Sports (@rugbyontnt) July 17, 2025
Welsh Rugby On Its Knees As Another Blow Dealt
Morgan’s snubbing marks an incredible decline from one of Welsh rugby’s strongest eras.
Twelve years ago, 10 Welsh players started the final test against the Wallabies in 2013.
And in 2019, Wales reached number one in the World Rugby rankings for the first time ever.
But retirements, off-field problems and mismanagement have seen the proud rugby nation fall a long way.
They were as low as 14th in the world until their recent win against Japan – Wales’ first test victory in 19 games and first since the 2023 World Cup.
THE STREAK IS OVER! 🙌
🏴 AFTER 18 CONSECUTIVE TEST DEFEATS, WALES FINALLY WIN! #JPNvWAL pic.twitter.com/YSJ6aPZxSZ
— Planet Rugby (@PlanetRugby) July 12, 2025
Fans React As Jac Morgan Misses Lions Selection
But despite his country’s woeful recent record, Welsh skipper Jac Morgan has been a shining light.
The flanker was hoped by many to fly the flag as Wales’ sole Lions representative.
As a result, his omission has angered plenty.
One fan said on Twitter (now X): “Feel very bad for Jac Morgan, the bloke moved mountains and has been the standout back-rower by miles.”
Another added: “Jac Morgan has been brilliant in this tour, and for both Wales and Ospreys.
“Really poor to be left out completely of the squad.”
While a third said: “No Jac Morgan is a huge surprise. He’s been the form seven all tour and doesn’t make the match day 23.
“No Pollock either. Players picked on reputation this time around, sadly.”
And fans weren’t the only ones voicing their displeasure at Morgan’s Lions omission.
Former Wales and Lions winger Dafydd James was disappointed but not surprised by the selection decision.
Former Wales and Lions three-quarter Dafydd James says it's "a travesty" that Jac Morgan didn't make the matchday squad for the British and Irish Lions first Test against Australia 🏉#BBCRugby pic.twitter.com/p7etV8k2Ew
— BBC ScrumV (@BBCScrumV) July 17, 2025
But despite the anger of many fans, this Lions team remain firm favourites for the test series.
British And Irish Lions Team Vs Australia For First Test
Lions: 15 Keenan; 14 Freeman, 13 Jones, 12 Tuipulotu, 11 Lowe; 10 Russell, 9 Gibson-Park; 1 Genge, 2 Sheehan, 3 Furlong; 4 Itoje (c), 5 McCarthy, 6 Beirne, 7 Curry, 8 Conan.
Replacements: 16 Kelleher, 17 Porter, 18 Stuart, 19 Chessum, 20 Earl, 21 Mitchell, 22 M Smith, 23 Aki.
