As Wales internationals Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake cross into English rugby, Gloucester fans are hopeful that the club’s fortunes are on the rise and that the historic English side can once again compete for top honours.
The Welsh co-captains have joined Gloucester from the Ospreys, a Welsh region facing an uncertain future as the Welsh Rugby Union plans to reduce its number of professional teams by 2028/2029.
Morgan arrives with 24 international caps and 50 appearances for the Ospreys at Kingsholm, a ground that will host Champions Cup rugby following Gloucester’s narrow triumph over Harlequins to secure the final top-tier spot.
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They join a growing number of Wales stars at the club, including Max Llewellyn and former Bristol player Louis Rees-Zammit, who first made his mark in England at Kingsholm.
Morgan, born in Swansea, appreciates having Lake nearby to ease the transition: “I spent eight weeks with Dewi at the Rugby World Cup – that was enough time! He’s one of the best roommates I’ve had and a good friend. Although we don’t live together, we’re close by and both settling in well."
“Having familiar faces like Max Llewellyn and Freddie Thomas, whom Dewi and I have played with before, has also helped. The squad have made the transition smooth and welcoming,” added Morgan.
Morgan is determined to improve his game in the Premiership, a league known for its competitiveness where teams and players are closely matched. He looks forward to experiencing the demanding atmosphere of English rugby and contributing in as many games as possible.
The flanker has been impressed by Gloucester’s setup after seven years in Welsh rugby: “I’m excited about this big move. Training has been enjoyable, with great teammates and coaching staff. The facilities, training schedule, and welcome from everyone have made joining much easier.”
Gloucester, traditionally a strong English club, have reached the Premiership semi-finals only once in the past 15 seasons and often finish in the lower half of the table. However, recent achievements include a fifth-place finish, winning the Premiership Rugby Cup in 2024, and back-to-back Champions Cup appearances, including a final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, signalling progress at Kingsholm.
Despite their progress, last season Gloucester struggled offensively, being the second-worst points scorers with an average of three tries per game, reflecting the enhanced attacking standards across the Premiership.
Morgan, who missed the opening games of this year’s Six Nations due to injury, was attracted by Gloucester’s attacking style under head coach George Skivington. “Gloucester play a nice, attacking brand of rugby – something I aim to contribute to and enjoy. That was a major reason I chose Gloucester,” he said.
He described the warm reception he has received from supporters: “From walking around town to open training sessions with many fans and youngsters attending, the support has been passionate. The ‘Shed’ is known for its loud crowds, and I look forward to playing in front of and hearing them.”
Gloucester’s season begins at Sandy Park against Exeter Chiefs on 26 September and concludes at Kingsholm in June. Key fixtures include local derbies against Bath on 23 October and 20 March, as well as matches against Bristol Bears including a festive fixture and a Principality Stadium clash on 17 April.
The club’s Ed Slater Cup tie against Leicester Tigers returns to Kingsholm on 27 March, having been played at Villa Park last season thanks to Gloucester’s new academy pathway.
With Skivington leading the coaching side since March 2026 and technical director Chris Boyd overseeing broader rugby operations, Gloucester are signalling ambition with fresh squad faces and a renewed direction for the upcoming Premiership Rugby season, seeking improved standings and success.