The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) says it is committed to keeping the country’s top players after the moves of forwards Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake from the Ospreys to English Premiership side Gloucester at the end of the season were confirmed.
Welsh domestic rugby is being restructured, with plans to reduce the number of regional teams from four to three by 2027. If implemented, the Ospreys and Scarlets could be competing for a single regional place.
In a statement following the announcements, the WRU said it is “striving to build a world-class system in Wales to maximise the potential for the success of our professional clubs and national teams.” The union added that it wants Welsh talent to be central to that system and acknowledged disappointment when players leave, while also recognising that elite players may seek new challenges as their careers develop.
The WRU said it is at the start of creating the right environment for Welsh talent and is working with professional clubs to implement the new system quickly. It confirmed it has guaranteed all existing player contracts and has written to regional clubs and the Welsh Rugby Players Association to confirm financial support for new signings.
Morgan and Lake — both players the WRU hopes will return to Wales in future — remain eligible for national selection. Wales’ 25-cap rule normally prevents those playing abroad from representing the country, but both players have already exceeded 25 caps; Morgan reached that total in part through two British & Irish Lions appearances in Australia. Morgan is currently sidelined with a shoulder injury.
On leaving the Ospreys, Morgan reflected on his long association with the club, saying the decision to move was carefully considered and that his career to date — from the pathway and debut to captaining the side and the friendships formed — will remain special memories.