Tandy reveals player reaction to regions shake-up as skipper makes his feelings clear

JAC Morgan has declared his love for the Ospreys, but the Wales captain faces an uncertain future after the Welsh Rugby Union announced plans to cut the number of professional clubs to three a move that could spell the end for his current team.

- STEFFAN THOMAS

The Steve Tandy era began in earnest yesterday with the majority of the squad meeting up to begin preparations ahead of a testing autumn series against Argentina, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa.

As if this autumn wasn’t going to be hard enough, the WRU announced last week it wants to reduce to three teams by 2027 at the latest with a team based in the east, one in Cardiff and one in the west its preferred model.

Realistically this means one of the Ospreys or the Scarlets disappearing and will undoubtedly be a dark cloud hanging over the squad in November.

According to the Ospreys, Morgan told the WRU he would leave Wales if his current club was to disappear.

Morgan is not short of suitors, with Saracens leading the chase for his signature and we also understand Gloucester are keen on signing the Wales star.

"I love the Ospreys," said Morgan. "I love playing there, I love the boys, the coaches and everyone.

"The news only came out on Friday so the main focus for myself is this campaign and we'll see how everything else goes."

Asked on whether his preference would be to remain in Wales, a WRU media officer interjected and moved matters on, claiming Morgan had already addressed his future.

Morgan is glad to be in Wales camp and insists the players' focus is solely on winning games this autumn.