Jac Morgan hopes Gloucester form adds attacking edge for Wales

Jac Morgan says his move to Gloucester has given his game a new attacking dimension and he will feature for Wales against Japan in the Nations Championship on Saturday (16:40 GMT).

The 26-year-old joined Gloucester from the Ospreys in the summer alongside Dewi Lake and has become a regular in the Premiership side.

At club level Morgan has been prominent for the Cherry and Whites, leading the Premiership for turnovers won, ranking second for tackles completed and sitting in the top five for rucks hit.

He has also contributed in attack for second-placed Gloucester, beating 18 defenders, accruing a league-leading 102m in contact and scoring two tries.

Reflecting on his role, Morgan said: "I feel like I've had the opportunity to be involved a bit more and carry the ball. The attack has been a big focus for us."

He added: "It's nice to be able to have those opportunities on the ball to attack, so you have to give credit to the coaches and other players."

Morgan's form follows earlier recognition: his exploits with the Ospreys led to him winning two caps for the British and Irish Lions in Australia last year, and at Kingsholm he said: "I've gone to a new club to try and keep improving as a player. Hopefully that can build into the international level."

He dislocated a shoulder while scoring against Argentina in the opening game of Steve Tandy's reign last November, missed wins against Japan and Italy, then returned for the victory against Fiji that started the Nations Championship; that Cardiff City Stadium success was followed by disappointments in Argentina and South Africa.

Morgan captained Wales in the first game under Steve Tandy. "We've been with Steve and the coaches for a year now," he said. "We were a little bit disappointed with how things went in the summer and want to show that we are progressing and developing. With the way that the boys have come into camp over the past couple of weeks, there is a great feeling and hopefully we will put in a couple of big performances."

In the countdown to the 2027 World Cup, Wales need to show signs of progress against Japan, New Zealand, Australia and another yet to be decided southern hemisphere opponent.