Jac Morgan has heaped praise on fellow British & Irish Lions flanker Tom Curry and admitted he’s having to learn from the man who currently wears the Test No.7 shirt.
Morgan, who captained Wales during the 2025 Six Nations, was left out of the matchday squad for the first Test against Australia in Brisbane, with Curry given the nod by head coach Andy Farrell.
The England openside was a big influence in the Lions’ 27-19 win over the Wallabies, earning plaudits for his relentless work-rate.
But despite the personal disappointment, Morgan has spoken with huge respect and admiration for his back-row rival.
"He's a class player, isn't he?" Morgan said.
"He’s been unbelievable for England for so long. I think he’s been one of the best sevens in the world for a long time now.
“The way he plays, how physical he is, how quick he is – I just think he’s a brilliant player."
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Morgan featured for 50 minutes in the Lions’ midweek victory over a First Nations and Pasifika XV in Melbourne, where his early substitution raised hopes he could be involved in the second Test at the iconic MCG.
Now, he has to hope gets some kind of role, although Ireland’s Josh van der Flier is also in the selection mix.
"It's a highly competitive position and Tom was outstanding on the weekend and he's a great player – and so is Josh as well – so the competition is always high in that position so we try and get the best out of each other," added Morgan.
"We all work with each other in that breakdown aspect and defence and just watching him (Curry) and his work-rate off the ball, chasing kicks, chasing everything down.
“His work-rate is unbelievable so I'm just trying to learn from him, the way he puts himself in areas of the field."
Since early in the tour, Morgan has been Wales' sole representative in the squad following an injury to scrum-half Tomos Williams.
While others may have felt the pressure of carrying a nation’s hopes, Morgan is embracing the moment and the responsibility.
"It's hard to put into words," he admitted.
"I'm obviously chuffed and I'm trying to make everyone proud in a way."
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The level of support he's received from Welsh fans in Australia has been notable. At Marvel Stadium, he received one of the loudest ovations when the teams were announced, with some in the crowd donning Jac Morgan facemasks and waving flags from Cwmtwrch, his home village.
"I've heard a couple of the cheers," Morgan said.
"It's great to have the support. There's a lot of Welsh out here so it's great to see.
I've seen a lot of familiar faces. The family are here, a couple of my good mates have come out. There's a load from Cwmtwrch, my junior club. I don't think all of them have come but there's a good crowd."
"I've had the opportunity to play today and I just try and train and play and perform the best you can."
If selected for the second Test matchday squad, it would mark another landmark moment in Morgan's career – especially against the side he helped dismantle during Wales’ huge Rugby World Cup win in 2023.
"It would be a massive honour and a very proud moment," he said.
With Irish lock Joe McCarthy an injury doubt, a reshuffle from head coach Farrell could yet open a path for Morgan to return to the matchday 23.
