Wales vs Barbarians: Jac Morgan Captain

Jac Morgan has been appointed as the captain for the Welsh team, which includes 12 members from the Rugby World Cup squad, as they prepare to face the Barbarians in Cardiff this Saturday.

Wales’ head coach, Warren Gatland, has selected four players who started in the World Cup quarter-final match against Argentina last month: Jac Morgan, George North, Adam Beard, and Aaron Wainwright.

Notably, Dragons prop Lloyd Fairbrother, aged 31, will make his debut for Wales in this non-cap fixture. This game also provides an opportunity for wing Tom Rogers and lock Ben Carter to showcase their talents.

Lloyd Fairbrother will start in the tighthead position due to the unavailability of other options. Tomos Francis and Henry Thomas, who play in France, along with Harlequins forward Dillon Lewis, were not accessible. Additionally, Kieron Assiratti and Leon Brown are sidelined with injuries. An ankle injury has ruled out Kieron Assiratti, and Leon Brown is dealing with a calf muscle problem. In light of these circumstances, Fairbrother and Scarlets prop Harri O’Connor have been called up and will feature among the replacements.

The Principality Stadium will host this special encounter in honor of Alun Wyn Jones, Wales’ record cap holder. Alun Wyn Jones retired from Test rugby in May, concluding a remarkable career with 158 Test match appearances for his country. Another Wales stalwart, full-back Leigh Halfpenny, will also bid farewell to international rugby as he makes his final appearance for Wales. Halfpenny, who has earned 101 caps and scored 801 points, will be deeply missed.

Warren Gatland expressed his anticipation for the match, stating that facing a Barbarians side brimming with quality players presents a good challenge for the team and an opportunity for players to prove their worth. He also highlighted the significance of the game in celebrating the international careers of Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric and mentioned that it would be the last time fans can see them in action for Wales.

The Welsh team for the match includes:

• Leigh Halfpenny
• Tom Rogers
• George North
• Johnny Williams
• Rio Dyer
• Sam Costelow
• Tomos Williams
• Corey Domachowski
• Dewi Lake
• Lloyd Fairbrother
• Ben Carter
• Adam Beard
• Dan Lydiate
• Jac Morgan (c)
• Aaron Wainwright

Replacements:

• Elliot Dee
• Nicky Smith
• Harri O‘Connor
• Teddy Williams
• Taine Plumtree
• Keiran Hardy
• Cai Evans
• Mason Grady

The Barbarians lineup is as follows:

• Ilaisa Droasese (Fiji)
• Shaun Stevenson (New Zealand)
• Len Ikitau (Australia)
• Izaia Perese (Australia)
• Selestino Ravutaumada (Fiji)
• Nicolas Sanchez (Argentina)
• Simione Kuruvoli (Fiji)
• Joe Moody (New Zealand)
• Tevita Ikanivere (Fiji)
• Taniela Tupou (Australia)
• Rob Leota (Australia)
• Alun Wyn Jones (Wales, capt)
• Justin Tipuric (Wales)
• Michael Hooper (Australia)
• Rob Valetini (Australia)

Replacements:

• Angus Bell (Australia)
• Asafo Aumua (New Zealand)
• Peni Ravai (Fiji)
• Api Ratuniyarawa (Fiji)
• Tom Hooper (Australia)
• Lautaro Bazan Velez (Argentina)
• Ben Donaldson (Australia)
• Andrew Kellaway (Australia).