Morgan and Williams named Wales players of the year

Ospreys flanker Jac Morgan has been named the Wales men's player of the year for the second time by the Welsh Rugby Writers' Association (WRWA).

The women's player of the year title was awarded to Kate Williams.

Morgan won the honour after being a leading light in a nightmare 2024-25 season for the national team.

The 25-year-old's exploits for Wales led to him being selected by the British and Irish Lions for the summer tour to Australia and he featured off the bench in the second and third Tests.

His controversial clearout at a ruck in the closing seconds in Melbourne - described as "perfect" by former World Cup final referee Nigel Owens - led to the winning score by Hugo Keenan as the tourists secured the series with a game to play.

Morgan made eight appearances for Wales without a win, taking his tally of caps to 23, but the captain was able to enjoy his teammates ending a 18-Test losing streak while Down Under.

"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," said the flanker, who also won the WRWA award in 2023.

"That was pretty special. It's been challenging but we have worked hard as a group and been tight."

Morgan will be a key figure for club and country in the coming months and hopes to reap the rewards from working alongside the likes of Maro Itoje, Tadhg Beirne, Jack Conan and Tom Curry.

"The Lions 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," he said.

"To be a part of it was pretty special. I learned loads of new things playing with other back-rowers.

"I tried to develop my game and see what improvements I can make based on how they play, train and their off-field habits."

"It gives you a massive drive to carry on improving and play to the best of my ability."

Morgan was presented with the award by new Wales boss Steve Tandy and is hopeful that the 2025-26 season will be brighter one.

"I am really excited and looking forward to the start and Steve coming in. They are exciting times, especially after the win in the summer," he said.

"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."

The WRWA list of honour features the likes of Sir Gareth Edwards, Barry John, JPR Williams, Phil Bennett, Jonathan Davies, Scott Gibbs, Ieuan Evans, Neil Jenkins, Rob Howley, Martyn Williams, Gethin Jenkins, Shane Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Alun Wyn Jones and 2024 winner Aaron Wainwright.

Williams award as women's player of the year came after voting which did not include Wales' World Cup campaign.

The back-row forward, born in Swansea but raised in New Zealand, crashed over to score the winner against Australia at Rodney Parade last September.

The 25-year-old, who won the Premiership Women's Rugby title with Gloucester-Hartpury, was named as co-captain with 2024 award winner Alex Callender for the World Cup.

Scarlets wing or full-back Blair Murray was named as Wales men's young player of the year after a breakthrough campaign.

The 23-year-old signed for the club in the summer of 2024 and made his Wales debut against Fiji in the autumn having qualified through his mother from Tonyrefail.

Murray scored 11 tries in 17 games for the Scarlets and crossed twice when winning 10 caps.

Jac Lloyd was named as Super Rygbi Cymru player of the year after being a key figure in Newport's title win.

The 22-year-old fly-half, younger brother of Wales and Cardiff back Ioan, was previously on the books of Bristol Bears and earned a Dragons contract thanks to his efforts with the Black and Ambers.