The play-off hopes of Mark Jones’ side have been boosted by the return of the British and Irish Lions back-row
12:00, 20 Mar 2026Updated 12:00, 20 Mar 2026
Jac Morgan is back after four months out(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)
Wales captain Jac Morgan will make his return to rugby after four months out, with the Ospreys naming him on the bench for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Benetton (kick-off: 3pm UK).
Mark Jones’ side travel to Stadio Comunale di Monigo looking to keep up their hopes of reaching the play-offs, coming off the back of a five-match unbeaten run in the league. Sitting just outside the top eight, there’s every chance they could sneak into the knockout stages for the second time in three years.
A play-off place would be all the more remarkable given the off-field uncertainty surrounding their existence, but the return of club captain Morgan will undoubtedly be a boost to their chances.
The British and Irish Lions back-row hasn’t played since dislocating his shoulder scoring against Argentina at the start of November.
However, having just missed the Six Nations, he’s now fit to take his place on the Ospreys’ bench for their trip to Treviso this weekend.
Hooker Sam Parry and fly-half Jack Walsh co-captain the side, as Jones is able to call upon some Wales internationals who didn’t feature heavily in the Six Nations.
Harri Deaves, who made just the one bench appearance against England, starts in the back-row alongside James Ratti and Ross Moriarty.
Centre Owen Watkin and scrum-half Reuben Morgan-Williams, who didn’t feature in the tournament also start.
With six matches left, the Ospreys are just one point adrift of the top eight.
“It’s always a competitive league and in the last couple of seasons the difference from fifth and sixth to 14th has been small,” said head coach Jones.
“It’s down to a couple of wins, some bonus points, key injuries that affect depth.
“Every game until the end of the season is going to be important in dictating who finishes in the top eight, and you need a bit of luck along the way.”
Ospreys: Iestyn Hopkins; Dan Kasende, Owen Watkin, Keiran Williams, Keelan Giles; Jack Walsh (co-capt), Reuben Morgan-Williams; Steffan Thomas, Sam Parry (co-capt), Tom Botha, James Fender, Ryan Smith, James Ratti, Harri Deaves, Ross Moriarty.
Replacements: Lewis Lloyd, Garyn Phillips, Rhys Henry, Huw Sutton, Jac Morgan, Luke Davies, Harri Houston, Evardi Boshoff.
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