Jac Morgan admitted he can’t wait to get Wales’ new era under Steve Tandy started after he joined an illustrious club alongside some of the country’s true rugby greats. 

Morgan was named as the Wales Rugby Writers’ Association men’s player of the year after a outstanding season which culminated in him being the only Welshman to feature in the British & Irish Lions’ Test series win over Australia earlier this summer. 

The flanker joins an exclusive band of two-time winners alongside Terry Cobner, Mervyn Davies, Terry Holmes, Neil Jenkins, Rob Howley, Scott Quinnell, Gareth Thomas, James Hook and Alun Wyn Jones. 

Now, he has his sights set on the 2025/26 season in which he will most likely captain Wales under the guidance of head coach Tandy. 

‘I’m really pleased to win this award and looking forward to the start of the new season and Steve coming in,’ Morgan said. 

‘They are exciting times, especially after the Japan win in the summer. We have the talent in Wales and within the regions. 

‘The Lions was a great experience. We built bonds and made friendships for life. 

‘To be a part of it was pretty special. It gives you a massive drive to carry on improving.’

Tandy has taken over Wales after they ended a run of 18 consecutive Test defeats with a victory in Japan – one achieved while Morgan was Down Under. 

He begins his role at a time of great uncertainty in Wales with the country’s governing body considering cutting two of the country’s four domestic teams. 

But in Morgan, Tandy is able to call on a player of genuine world-class ability. Only two Welshmen – Morgan and Tomos Williams – made the Lions tour on the back of Wales’ struggles, but the latter unfortunately suffered a hamstring injury. 

Tandy's first campaign in charge will be in November with Wales facing Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.  

Blair Murray, a breakout star for Wales and the Scarlets last term in what was his first season in the northern hemisphere, was named Wales young player of the year. 

Kate Williams, part of the all-conquering Gloucester-Hartpury side, took home the Wales women’s player of the year gong. 

'Coming over to Wales this time last year, I could never have expected my first season to have gone as it did,’ said Murray, who was born in New Zealand but has a Welsh mum. 

‘I was hoping to play maybe four or five games for the Scarlets and build from there with this season in mind. But to play as much as I did and also represent Wales means it’s been a dream. I have to continue to make the most of it now. 

'I feel very grateful and honoured to receive this award and to be mentioned in the same breath as some of the previous winners is a great feeling. I want to build on what I did last season this year.’ 

Elsewhere, England centre Ollie Lawrence is set to continue his recovery from the serious Achilles injury he suffered in the Six Nations by starting for Bath against his former club Worcester on Friday night. 

Lawrence missed the Lions tour as a result of the problem, but his return to fitness is a big boost for England ahead of the autumn internationals. 

Lawrence and another ex-Worcester player in Ted Hill are both slated to start for Bath at Sixways. It is Worcester’s first home game since their return to elite rugby following their demise into administration in 2022.