Wales captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake will join Gloucester at the end of the season after their contracts with Ospreys expire, during an uncertain period for Welsh rugby.
Morgan, who made his Wales debut in 2022, has 24 caps and was the only Welsh player on the winning British & Irish Lions tour of Australia earlier this year. Lake captained Wales on the summer tour of Japan and is expected to continue in that role after Morgan suffered a shoulder injury that could rule him out of the 2026 Six Nations.
Lake said he is happy to sign for Gloucester ahead of the 2026-27 season, praising the club, its supporters and the chance to play in the Gallagher Premiership.
Flanker Morgan, 25, came through the Scarlets academy, made his senior debut in 2019, and later joined Ospreys, where he also earned his first Wales cap against Scotland.
Hooker Lake, 26, has 26 international caps and made his Wales debut in the 2022 Six Nations against Ireland.
Under Welsh Rugby’s 25-cap rule, players who move abroad usually cannot play for Wales unless they have enough caps. However, Lions appearances count as caps, meaning Morgan’s total rises from 24 to 26, keeping him eligible for Wales.
Morgan said leaving Ospreys was a tough decision, as the club has been a major part of his career, with many special moments, including captaining the side and building strong relationships.
The moves come at a difficult time for Welsh rugby, with plans to cut professional teams from four to three by 2027. There are also more than 80 Wales-based players out of contract, adding to the uncertainty around the game.
