Jac Morgan's final week as a Lion speaks volumes as home nations get glimpse of what we have
Jac Morgan has been the perfect ambassador for Wales Down Under
Jac Morgan will soon be heading back to Wales after a successful summer with the Lions
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Last Thursday, just as the furore around his crucial clearout was dying down, Jac Morgan met up with Bertie Roberts and the rest of Cwmtwrch's travelling brigade here in Sydney.
Sat in a hotel lobby, Morgan sits there, listening intently and hanging onto every word of his former junior rugby coach. Even now, in the biggest week of his career to date, he's still just that same boy from Brynamman, taking the advice of those he's known for years.
As comfortable with the committee members in the clubhouse as he is with the vastly different backgrounds of this British and Irish Lions squad, you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who meets the humble 25-year-old and doesn't come away with a good word to say about him.
A few days later, in the Lions' team hotel the morning after the final Test in Sydney, Morgan is surrounded by some of his team-mates for the last time. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby.
Wearing a Brynamman jersey from the late 1990s, he's asked for photos fairly regularly in the hotel's bar, but he's more than happy to oblige.
Next to him is Ellis Genge, following in the footsteps of David Duckham on this tour; the Englishman loved by Welsh fans. Genge and Morgan have become good friends, but the truth is everyone has taken to Morgan.
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As Tadhg Beirne - the Lions' honorary Welshman (a Cymro but for a skiing trip) - noted late on Saturday night, this is the bittersweet part of a tour.
Success on the pitch, but now, team-mates drift apart, heading back to their clubs with the new season on the horizon. (Unless Henry Pollock gets his wish of luring a few more to Bali with him, of course).
But, regardless of where the next flights take them all, this group have done something special. Victory in the series had almost been taken for granted, amid all the talk of becoming the greatest Lions team in history, but few touring sides actually win the series.
However you choose to view various aspects of this tour, from the opposition to the nature of the Lions as 'tourists' in a cold high- performance world, they achieved what they set out to do.
With that comes a special bond. There's already talk amongst the squad about reuniting back here in 12 years' time. That's what winning in the Lions jersey affords them.
The tomorrow with the jersey, as Alun Wyn Jones put it in 2013, belongs to this group now.
Throughout it all, Morgan has been an essential cog in Andy Farrell's machine. Understated, but with the work ethic that sums up his humility.
There has been some consternation over the lack of Josh van der Flier in the Test team. A former world player of the year and a faithful Farrell lieutenant, he would likely have expected to feature at some point.
Of course, Tom Curry has been superb in the Tests, proving that he can be relied to elevate his game for the big moments - just like Beirne.
But Morgan, as a deputy in the last two Tests, has been selflessness personified. Everything he has done is for the team, including those two clearouts in the build-up to Hugo Keenan's winning try in Melbourne.
It was reassuring to hear earlier in the week that the impact of Tomos Williams was still being felt in camp. Because, for so long, Morgan has been the lone Welshman in this playing group.
It's been said in countless different ways in the last month or so, but Morgan truly has represented Welsh rugby in the best way possible.
Wherever you go in Australia on this tour, you'll find a pocket of Welsh fans following Morgan, or an Australian telling you just how good he has been.
While the game remains a mess back home, he has been as fine an ambassador as we could wish for.
Of course, typically, he won't see it like that. He just focuses on his rugby. And he does it well.
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But, for six weeks, the other home nations have had a glimpse of what we've been privy to for so long now.
Jac, our Jac. Ein Llew. Our Lion.
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Wales Online
16 minutes ago
- Wales Online
Tonight's rugby news as 'superhuman' Lions star faces surgery and teammate 'terrorised' by Wallabies giant
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"[Skelton] has a limited shelf life and the conditions played into his hand in terms of stamina, but every time he plays against James Ryan he absolutely terrorises the bloke and that happened once again," he added. "I also feel that Andy Farrell at times treated this as an Irish development tour. There's no way that the likes of Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Andrew Porter, James Ryan and Jack Conan were the best players in their position during the build-up and series. "Never forget, whilst these guys have had some success in friendly Tests and so on, they've achieved absolutely nothing in terms of the big silverware in Test rugby – the World Cup – and there's a reason for that – they're average players. "I go back to my point about Ryan – Skelton owns him every time he faces him." Get daily rugby updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice New role for Cole Leicester Tigers legend Dan Cole has joined the club's staff after hanging up his boots at the end of last season. The England prop - who made 388 appearances for the Premiership side - has been appointed as the Tigers' new recruitment & retention manager, and will work closely with incoming head coach Geoff Parling to align the club's senior squad and academy and pathway programmes. Cole, who also won a total of 121 Test caps for England and the British & Irish Lions, has already started in his new role, the club confirmed, with Parling also back in the UK after finishing his duties with Australia. The club's CEO Andrea Pinchen said: 'We are delighted to be able to keep someone of Dan's experience and knowledge at Leicester Tigers. 'He has always shown a keen interest in this area and, as anyone who knows him will attest, his attention to detail and professionalism are second to none. 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Telegraph
17 minutes ago
- Telegraph
No O'Driscoll or O'Connell – my Lions team from last four tours
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His ball carrying, particularly in the first Test, had a huge impact. His leadership and physicality made him a key figure. 2. Dan Sheehan An exceptional talent who's redefined the hooker role in international rugby. His try-scoring, mobility, and consistent set-piece work – especially line-out throwing – are elite. For me, a genuine contender for player of the series. 3. Tadhg Furlong He has dominated the No 3 jersey for the Lions over the last three tours. A powerhouse in the scrum and surprisingly agile around the field. An easy pick. 4. Maro Itoje A world-class line-out operator with relentless work-rate. His leadership and experience made him a potential captain. Always rises to the occasion. 5. Alun Wyn Jones Brought immense physicality and leadership. His drive and refusal to give in made him indispensable. People will ask, 'How could Paul O'Connell be left out?' A fair question. Geoff Parling was also excellent in 2013, but Alun Wyn edges it for me. Incredible. This speech sums up Alun Wyn Jones. — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) May 19, 2023 6. Tadhg Beirne This was one of the toughest calls due to the depth in back-row options. Beirne earns the shirt thanks to some incredible performances and being named Man of the Series by Stan Sport. He's matured brilliantly and delivered in big moments. 7. Sam Warburton (captain) Led from the front and had a superb relationship with referees. One of the most complete opensides of the modern era – professional, intelligent, and a master at the breakdown. A natural leader. 8. Taulupe Faletau Arguably the most naturally gifted footballer across all squads. Despite strong competition from Jack Conan and the unfortunate unavailability of Caelan Doris, Faletau's instincts, ball skills, and knack for big moments earn him the nod. When Taulupe Faletau stopped a dead-certain try 😅 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) February 26, 2024 9. Jamison Gibson-Park A very tight call. 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The Herald Scotland
37 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Dundee Utd tax accusations explained: HMRC allegedly scammed out £1m
R&D tax relief was created in 2000. The aim was to fund and facilitate advances in science and technology such as a new drug or a form of artificial intelligence. ZLX, a firm established by former Hamilton Academical director Stephen McCallion, advised the wholesaler that installing a cold room could attract £30,000 in R&D tax relief. Robbie Patterson's accountant took a different view. And when James Mackie Wholesalers changed their minds over making an R&D relief claim ZLX pursued legal action in pursuit of the £8000 fee they believed they would have received if the the transaction had gone ahead. In Glasgow Sheriff Court, Sheriff Stuart Reid was critical of ZLX and rejected the claim. The subsequent publicity concerning a tax row over a fridge attracted the the interest of Dan Neidle, a former lawyer with one of the world's largest law firms. Niedle advised corporates, governments, regulators and central banks now runs Tax Policy Associates, a not-for-profit company found to improve tax and legal policy and public understanding of the complex issues involved. As he tells Herald Sport now: 'Not only did ZLX think that they could make a claim for a fridge but then they got the poor guy, the greengrocer, in to court to try and force him to do it. And they were humiliated.' The case prompted Neidle – a thorn in the side of former chancellor Nadhim Zahawi and Baroness Michelle Mone - to pay closer attention to some of the other R&D tax relief claims submitted by ZLX and he found that Dundee United were one of a number of British football clubs to have benefitted from the scheme. Hibernian, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest were others and it's now believed that 33 clubs in the UK are under investigation by HMRC. United face a £600,000 bill after the club was order to repay a portion of its successful £1.28m claim for research and development tax relief. The tax relief claim covered 24 per cent of staff and player wages from July 1 2021, to June 30 2022. The Tannadice club also claimed for 80% of the club nutritionist's salary, 90% of the player analyst's salary and 21 % of the Tannadice heating and lighting bill. 'R&D relief is designed for people who are being completely innovative and in sport the first people who did data analytics in football could have claimed R&D tax credits for that,' explains Neidle. 'That's a legitimate innovation. 'It's possible that clubs might be doing innovative scientific work, you don't want to say it never happens. 'But not in this Dundee United case. Not based on the description given. 'And you certainly can't claim in court for staff wages as if your players are out there doing scientific research. 'Some people have said that maybe Dundee United didn't know what they were doing, that maybe they were just misled by ZLX. Whatever the reason it's difficult to see how they could have thought that this was legitimate.' Dundee United's tax relief claim centred around The United Lab. Launched in April 2020 the project was set up by former Sporting Director Tony Ashgar, recruitment coordinator Sean McGee, performance consultant Ryland Morgans and head of football research Dan Parnell to broker 'new channels for ideas and innovation.' All four men have now left the club with a Dundee United statement to the Courier confirming that the lab had ceased to exist in 2023. A spokesperson said: 'Dundee United Football Club can confirm we remain in constructive dialogue with HMRC regarding a Research and Development (R&D) tax claim submitted in 2021. 'As this is an ongoing process, we are unable to comment further on the details of the matter at this time. However, the club is fully engaged in the discussions and remains confident in a satisfactory outcome of the process for both parties. 'The R&D initiative known as 'The Dundee United Lab' ceased operations in March 2023 and no longer exists in any form, with all personnel previously involved in the project no longer employed or affiliated with the club in any capacity.' The plot thickened further when United's former finance director denied signing the document made public by Neidle last week. Employed at Tannadice between December 2018 and April 2023 Derek Bond – now a partner with Edinburgh firm Bond Accountants - is seeking legal advice after claiming the signature on the document was not his. The co-signatory on the document was ZLX Business Solutions consultant David Purvis. 'The document I've seen that purports to have my signature on it, isn't my signature,' he told The Courier. 'You can see on the document that someone has just typed 'Derek Bond'. 'That's not my signature on that document. 'I've spoken with a solicitor about that document. I've not signed that document.' Distancing himself from the HMRC investigation he added: 'It's galling, I don't want to be attached. 'There's a document with my name on it. I'm not saying it's forged. But somebody's typed my name and made it look like my signature but it is definitely not my signature.' While ZLX has yet to comment, Dundee United has assured fans the 'historical matter has no impact on the club's current or future operations'. 'HMRC won't say anything on the record,' adds Neidle. 'But I think they woke up rather late to the ways in which this R&D scheme was being abused. But it is an abuse. 'HMRC are pretty sure they will be able to get the cash back on this one. And it wouldn't surprise me if they try to charge penalties as well. Whether Dundee United can pay those as well is an interesting question. 'This is money which is being taken from the pockets of taxpayers at a time when we are all paying more tax because of the lack of tax revenue going into the government this is making it worse for everybody else. 'So, yes, it's an example of football taking money from the rest of us and it's not on. 'There is also a question, I think, for the Scottish League on the grounds of financial fairness. Generating free money by making fake tax claims doesn't seem very fair. 'It may need to go a little further but, really, the football rules should say that clubs are not allowed to do anything improper when it comes to tax.' While SPFL rules on HMRC obligations allow for punishment of tax arrears any disputed claim against a member club by the tax authorities can't be actioned 'until such time as a final determination is made on HMRC's claim.' In 2024 Hibernian also banked £1.2million in tax relief earmarked for research and development and Niedle believes the issue extends well beyond the boundaries of the SPFL Premiership. 'Across the UK we think 33 clubs are being investigated by HMRC across the UK over sums totally £13million. 'It's possible that some of them are not as crap as Dundee United's claim. It's equally possible that some of them are worse.' Earlier this year Neidle was invited to speak on a radio programme about the impact of Employee Benefits Trusts on football clubs in Britain. The financial impact on Rangers on the scheme proved catastrophic in 2012, posing an obvious question. When will football clubs actually learn their lesson when it comes to iffy tax schemes? 'You will know the answer to that better than me. 'The problem is that when you put that money into the pockets of well paid footballers public sympathy is likely to be thin on the ground. 'But I suspect that people who are desperate for money are not as critical as they should be when they are faced with free bags of cash…'
