These two young men, both capped 15 times by their country, were thrust into the limelight as co-captains during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, and now look poised to continue their leadership roles for Wales in the upcoming Autumn Nations Series and beyond. Both feature in Wales’ new kit launch and, having missed this year’s Guinness Men’s Six Nations, in which their country received the wooden spoon for the first time since 2003, their return to the helm offers hope and renewed energy to a side that has faced significant challenges over the past year.
In their absence, Exeter's Dafydd Jenkins became Wales' second-youngest captain in history when he led Wales in this year's Championship, aged just 21. That he played the part so admirably in adversity could bode well for Wales in the coming years.
A Bold Gamble
Head coach Warren Gatland's decision to appoint Morgan and Lake as co-captains was initially met with scepticism. Both players were young and inexperienced in senior international rugby. However, the gamble reflected his belief in their innate leadership qualities and their potential to shape the future of Welsh rugby. Here were two players who could fill the void left by big characters like openside Sam Warburton and hooker Ken Owens – honest, hard-working leaders within the squad.
The Rugby World Cup in 2023 saw the gamble pay off, with Wales performing admirably against the odds. Morgan and Lake not only led by example on the field but also embodied the young Wales’ resilience in what was viewed as something of a free hit for Gatland. There is an X-factor about them – back-rower Morgan, for example, has shown he has the kicking skills of a fly-half on more than one occasion.
Morgan, at 23, and Lake, 24, brought a unique blend of youthful vigour to their roles. Their leadership was not just about making the right calls on the pitch but also about inspiring their teammates through their actions. As Toby Booth, their head coach at Ospreys, has noted, both players possess a natural ability to lead by example, particularly in terms of effort and intensity. This was evident in their performances at the World Cup, where they were instrumental in driving Wales to the knockout stages, defying expectations.
The Ospreys Connection
Both Morgan and Lake have deep roots in the Ospreys region. Morgan’s journey from being overlooked by the Scarlets to becoming a key figure at Ospreys was one of growth and fulfilling potential. His days at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman showed him that rugby greatness was attainable, with Wales and Ospreys icon Shane Williams having been a pupil there. Meanwhile, Morgan’s time as captain of Wales U20 during a fallow period for the side earned him rave reviews.
Lake hails from Ogmore Vale in Bridgend – an hour away from Morgan’s Ammanford – and transitioned from being a back row player to a hooker. (In fact, he’s still being asked to do a job in the back row for Ospreys.) His leadership was equally evident during his time with the Wales U20s, where he captained the side with a blend of emotional intensity and a muscularity not often seen in Welsh hookers. His passionate and vocal leadership style complements Morgan's more understated approach, creating a balanced and effective partnership.
On being named captain by Gatland for the first time in a Summer Nations Series match against England last year, Lake told the BBC: "My captaincy style changes sometimes varied on who you're on the field with. There's boys that don't need to be told anything, they've got the experience and know what they're doing. Maybe some boys like a pat on the back if they've done something well or an arm around them if they've messed up.
"Some boys need to be shouted at if they've messed up because that's what kicks them into the next gear. Your style is all about knowing your team and knowing who you've got around you and being able to cater to how they are going to react to things.
"You can't be one-dimensional and shout at everyone because some boys will react poorly and you might not get the best out of them."
Lake showed what Wales had been missing during the recent summer Test against South Africa, where journalist Steffan Thomas wrote of the reinstated captain, “against the Springboks Lake was one of only a handful of Welsh players who could physically dominate the world champions in the contact area”.
Their performances at club level with Ospreys has further solidified their reputations as stars of the Welsh game. Both players have been pivotal in the region’s recent campaigns, with Lake’s abrasive playing style and Morgan’s exceptional work over the ball setting them apart. Their success has translated seamlessly to the international stage, where they can continue to thrive under Gatland’s guidance after missing out on this year’s Championship.
Cymry Cymraeg: The Bilingual Impact
One of the unique aspects of Morgan and Lake’s leadership is their ability to connect with the Welsh-speaking community. Both are fluent in Welsh, and their bilingualism has been a significant asset in engaging with fans and promoting the Welsh language within the sport. This cultural connection has helped to bridge the gap between the team and its supporters, particularly at a time when Welsh rugby has been searching for a unifying force.
Their use of Welsh in interviews and team communications has not gone unnoticed. It adds a layer of authenticity to their leadership style and resonates deeply with fans who see them as not just rugby players but as ambassadors of Welsh culture. In an era where the identity of Welsh rugby is being redefined, Morgan and Lake’s embrace of their heritage offers a powerful symbol of pride and continuity.
A Bright Future for Wales?
As Wales prepares for the 2024 Autumn Nations Series and the 2025 Guinness Men’s Six Nations, the duo’s leadership and on-field performances could be crucial. This November, Wales welcome Fiji, Australia and South Africa to Cardiff. Wales will be particularly desperate to get back to winning ways against the Wallabies after their two-Test series loss this summer. Lake and Morgan’s experience from the Rugby World Cup – where the latter led them to a resounding victory against Australia – has undoubtedly fortified them. The duo’s return can bring stability and inspiration to a team that has experienced its share of turbulence.
As former Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde, now with Leinster, said after that huge win against Australia last year: "Warren Gatland must be thinking how good this Wales side can be, the defence, the pack - they were heroic – the combination in the back row worked. From listening to Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, they're in good hands."
