The WRU has insisted it remains “realistic” about elite players leaving Wales, even as the departures of Morgan and Lake to Gloucester at the end of this season underlines the chaotic circumstances surrounding the domestic professional game.
The Ospreys have managed to convince youngsters Harri Deaves and Morgan Morse to agree to new deals, but Bradley is clearly frustrated that Morgan and Lake are not hanging around to see if their region still exists next season.
"When we should all be still celebrating the fantastic win in France this weekend, instead we’re having to announce that Jac and Dewi are leaving,” said Bradley on social media.
“But we continue to build for the future with Harri and Morgan re-signing.”
The former Gloucester chairman added: “Roll on some certainty. We’ve all had enough of this.”
Confirmation that both Wales captains will leave the Ospreys at the end of the season has intensified debate about the future of Welsh rugby, particularly with the WRU planning to reduce the number of professional regions from four to three by 2027.
The governing body, however, has struck an almost upbeat relaxed tone, stressing that while it wants to retain the nation’s top talent, it accepts that some players will seek opportunities elsewhere.
READ MORE: WRU to Add Lions Caps to 25 Cap Rule in Order to Keep Jac Morgan in Wales Shirt
Morgan and Lake, both key figures for club and country, are out of contract this summer.
Morgan, currently sidelined with injury, captained Wales and was the only Welsh representative on the British & Irish Lions tour of Australia earlier this year.
Lake led Wales during the summer tour of Japan and is expected to continue as national skipper after Morgan suffered a shoulder injury that could rule him out of the 2026 Six Nations.
In response to the announcement, the WRU said it was committed to reshaping the professional landscape in a way that strengthens Welsh rugby long-term, while acknowledging the realities of the modern game.
“We are striving to build a world-class system in Wales to maximise the potential for the success of our professional clubs and national teams,” the WRU said in a statement.
“We want Welsh talent to be at the heart of the system.
“But we are also realistic that top-class players will get opportunities to explore new experiences and to challenge themselves as they develop their careers.
“We wish them both the very best in the meantime ... (and) hope that players like Jac and Dewi – and others – will come back to Wales.”
READ MORE: Mark Jones Insists Jac Morgan’s Stance Shows His Deep Loyalty to Ospreys
For the players themselves, the decision to move has been framed as a professional challenge rather than a rejection of Welsh rugby.
Lake, who has 26 international caps, expressed excitement about his next step after agreeing a deal with the English Premiership club.
“I’m delighted to sign for Gloucester Rugby ahead of the 2026-27 season,” Lake told Gloucester’s website.
“It’s a great club with brilliant supporters. I know a lot of players at Gloucester who speak highly of the environment and I’m excited for the future.
“I’m also looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Gallagher Prem.”
READ MORE: Wales and Ospreys Leader Dewi Lake Heading Down Memory Lane
Morgan, 25, qualifies to continue playing for Wales despite moving abroad because Lions appearances now count under Welsh rugby’s 25-cap rule.
He has spoken openly about how difficult it was to leave a club that has shaped his career.
“The Ospreys is a club that means a lot to me on so many different levels so making the decision to move was something that I spent a lot of time thinking over,” he said.
“My whole career to this point has been with this team and there have been so many special moments on the way.
“Coming through the pathway, making my debut, the first time I captained the side and the friendships I’ve forged with players and staff, will all live long in my memory for the rest of my life.”
Morgan came through the Scarlets academy before switching to Ospreys in 2021, while Lake made his Wales debut in the opening match of the 2022 Six Nations.
Their exits arrive at a sensitive moment, with players, coaches and supporters awaiting clarity on how the WRU’s restructuring plans will be implemented.
