British & Irish Lions news: Andy Farrell defends Welsh absence from first Test squad

By Michael Davey

For the first time since the 1896 tour of South Africa, the British & Irish Lions have named a Test-match squad without any Welsh players.

This comes after head coach Andy Farrell failed to include Jac Morgan, Wales’ only remaining representative after Tomos Williams’ unfortunate injury, in the team that will do battle with Australia in Brisbane on Saturday, July 19.

Farrell ‘gutted’ for Morgan

Speaking ahead of the first Test, Farrell told the media: “Jac Morgan was as close as you could imagine. You’re actually gutted for players like that.

“Josh van der Flier and Henry Pollock as well, because they are playing good rugby and could well easily be in this side. That shows the good place that we’re at as a group.

“I suppose that’s the hotly-contested part of the side that has been talked about for quite some time, and rightly so because of the quality that we’ve got there.”

For the match at the Suncorp Stadium, Farrell has placed his faith in a back-row of Tom Curry, Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan.

“Obviously, we feel that’s the right balance for the first Test,” he explained.

“The combination of Tadhg being the type of player that he is as far as his quality in the set-piece and his all-round ability either on the floor as a jackaller or a ball-playing number six, which complements Jack Conan also.

“Tom Curry being the engine we all know you need in regards to Test-match rugby.”

READ MORE: British and Irish Lions news: Andy Farrell backs size and dynamism for first Test

Nationality not a factor

Asked whether national representation was ever a factor in his selection decisions, Farrell was unequivocal, saying: “Honestly, as far as selection goes, we can’t get involved in that [representing all four nations].

“You take every individual as it is in terms of who deserves to be picked.

“It just so happens Jac was unbelievably close and in great form, so there’s not much more he could have done really.”

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: 2025 Women’s Euro news: Sarina Wiegman lauds ‘one of a kind’ Lucy Bronze