Ospreys head coach Mark Jones believes Jac Morgan’s willingness to walk away from Welsh rugby if the region is axed underlines just how much the flanker cares about the club.
"Jac has got a hell of a lot of integrity," said Jones.
"He hasn't said that to me officially [about the Ospreys], but if he has, that shows just how much he loves the Ospreys and his team-mates.
“He's got to be commended for that if he's said it."
Morgan’s position became public at a supporters’ forum earlier this week, where fans were updated on the Welsh Rugby Union’s (WRU) controversial consultation into cutting the number of professional sides.
The governing body has floated the possibility of reducing the four regions — Ospreys, Scarlets, Dragons and Cardiff — down to just two.
The 25-year-old, who was Wales men’s player of the year earlier this month and the only Welsh representative on this summer’s Lions tour to Australia, is out of contract at the end of the 2025-26 season.
His message to the WRU is clear: if the Ospreys disappear, so will he.
Jones stressed that Morgan’s threat should not be seen as posturing but as a measure of his commitment to the region where he has captained the side since arriving from Scarlets in 2021.
"Welsh rugby and the Ospreys would love to have Jac in this team for many years, the team would be better for it," said Jones.
The WRU has argued that cutting two regions could be the "radical solution" required to improve the competitiveness and financial sustainability of the professional game in Wales.
However, the idea has been met with strong opposition from players, supporters, and the Welsh Rugby Players Association (WRPA), which has warned that such a move would "drive talent to leave Wales."
The consultation process closes on 30 September, with the union expected to announce its decision by the end of October.
READ MORE: Jac Morgan Eager to Begin Wales Re-build With Coach Steve Tandy
Alternative funding structures are also being explored, but uncertainty remains over what Welsh rugby will look like beyond this season.
Meanwhile, Morgan will miss Ospreys’ opening game of the campaign against the Bulls in Pretoria as he eases back after his Lions exploits.
Co-captain Dewi Lake will lead the side this weekend, though Jones confirmed Morgan will resume his role when he joins up in South Africa next week.
"Those two have done it before," Jones said of Morgan and Lake’s leadership partnership.
"They're a great compliment for each other.
We've got a great experienced leadership group as well. We're very fortunate to have two guys like that with the support behind them."
READ MORE: Jac Morgan Gains Another Backer on Eve of Lions’ Bid for History
