After an unforgettable year for Ospreys captain, Jac Morgan, he was given the Lloyd Lewis award for Wales men's Player of the Year at the Welsh Rugby Writers Association Awards last night.
The award follows a historic year for Jac and the Ospreys, with him being part of the British & Irish Lions squad that came away victorious from their summer tour of Australia.
Looking back on his year, Jac said: “It was a good year, I enjoyed it and I’m really pleased to win this award. It was a tough year with the way that the games went but I was chuffed to watch the boys get the win in Japan.
“That was pretty special. It’s been challenging but we have worked hard as a group and been tight.”
Jac’s performances for the Ospreys, Wales and Lions were all mentioned in the speeches, with the skipper also being referenced as the standout winner. When asked about his experience with the Lions, Jac said: “It was a great experience and I enjoyed being with the coaches and playing group. They were a great bunch of boys and we built bonds and made friendships for life.
“To be a part of it was pretty special. I learnt loads of new things playing with other back-rowers.
“I tried to develop my game, learn off them and see what improvements I can make based on how they play, train and their off-field habits.”
Wales senior men’s head coach, Steve Tandy, was also on hand to give Jac the award, with Jac being asked about how he felt stepping back into Wales duty and working with Tandy: “I’m really excited and looking forward to Steve coming in. They are exciting times, especially after the win in the summer.
“The boys are looking forward to getting the season starting with the regions. We have the talent in Wales and within the regions, so we are looking forward to regrouping, learning new things, getting better and trying to get closer as a group to put in the performance.”
In typical fashion, Jac was also quick to pay homage to his roots: ““It was great to see them (Cwmtwrch). They were so good to me when I was playing juniors, to see them all there (in Australia) supporting was great. The family as well after all the sacrifices they have made for me up to this point.
“It was nice to go back to Brynamman as well when I got home to see all the boys. I’m just Jac from Brynamman, that’s the best thing about going back.”
Jac from Brynamman 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.
