The honouring of leading Wales onto the field to face England will instead be handed to Leigh Halfpenny as he becomes the ninth player to join Wales’ ‘100 Cap Club’.
“Leigh will be leading the side out, it’s a great occasion for him. He’s been one of the best players for years and is probably one of the most professional players we’ve got,” said Morgan.
“He’s driven and he’s a role model to look up to for everyone coming through. It’s going to be amazing for him.”
It will be equally amazing for former Wales U20 skipper Morgan to be offered the chance to lead the side against England in what will be only his 10th appearance for his country. Head coach Warren Gatland has no qualms in handing the armband to the Ospreys flanker.
“It’s a great opportunity for Jac. I left it pretty late before asking him, but he said he’d be honoured to do it,” said Gatland.
“He’s a fantastic individual, he’s respected in the group, and he’s got a big future for Wales. We see him as a seven.
“He’s been great this week and it’s a going to be a proud moment for him and his family. I got a huge kick out of seeing his reaction when I asked him if he wanted to be captain – hopefully we can make it a pretty special day on Saturday.
“He doesn’t say a lot or talk a lot, a bit like Sam Warburton. He does his talking out there and leads by example. That’s a huge positive about him.
“We went to Turkey last week and took a referee with us to do some live stuff. One of the comments from the ref was that some of the interaction he had with Jac was really impressive.
“He was asking good, positive questions without being aggressive. That was probably an indication that we’d made the right call.”
Morgan will take over as captain from Ken Owens and the 23-year-old from Brynamman will follow in the footsteps of another player from his locality who led his country, Clive Rowlands.
The former Wales player, captain, coach, team manager and WRU President died last weekend at the age of 85. He captained Wales in all 14 games he played, kicking-off against England in Cardiff 60 years ago.
“I was fortunate enough to know Clive for years and I played with his grandson at Cwmtwrch juniors. Every Sunday, he’d be down watching us play,” said Morgan.
“To be able to know him and meet him has been great because of what he did for the village and Cwmtwrch was brilliant. He’s been such a role model for everyone who has come through there. His passing is a sad moment and I send my condolences to his family. He had a great effect on us all.”
Morgan will be leading a side that contains a number of players he played with at U20 level, including outside half Sam Costelow and new centre Max Llewellyn.
“I was pretty chuffed when Gats asked me to be captain, and it will be a great honour to lead the boys. There are a lot of leaders to turn to and it will make it easier for me having those boys supporting me,” he added.
