The Wales and British & Irish Lions star has paid an emotional tribute to his “cousin and best friend” who has died suddenly

Jac Morgan’s cousin Harri has passed away, the Wales captain has announced (Image: Jac Morgan/Instagram)

Wales captain Jac Morgan has announced the tragic death of his “cousin and best friend” Harri.

Harri Morgan, who was also vice-captain of Brynamman RFC’s first team, died suddenly earlier this week, with the British & Irish Lions star saying he “meant the world” to him and his family in an emotional tribute on social media.

Alongside a photo of him stood with his cousin after a Wales game, flanker Morgan also shared the Ospreys jersey he had worn against the Sharks on Saturday, with ‘In Memory of Harri Morgan’ written on the back alongside the Brynamman crest.

“This week I suddenly lost my cousin and best friend Harri,” wrote Morgan. “He meant the world to us as a family.

“He loved so much about life, but his greatest joy was playing rugby for Brynamman.

“Yesterday I played my game in honour and memory of Harri. It felt important to go out there and make him proud, playing the game that he loved.”

Morgan has also shared a link to a GoFundMe page for Harri’s brothers, Cerith and Ifan, and friends, who are running the Swansea Half Marathon later this year in his memory. You can donate to the GoFundMe here.

“If anyone is struggling, please reach out to your friends, your family, or anyone around you,” the 26-year-old wrote.

“There are always people you can talk to, and there is help out there with @jaclewisfdn. His brothers and close friends are running the Swansea half marathon in June in memory of Harri and there is a GoFundMe link in my Bio to donate.

“Cysga’n dawel Harri. Caru ti. [Sleep peacefully Harri. I love you].”

Content cannot be displayed without consent

Brynamman RFC have also paid tribute to Harri as an “immensely talented and fiercely dedicated” player, with his loss leaving “a hole that will never truly be filled”.

“It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of our first team vice captain, Harri,” a club statement read.

“A true warrior, immensely talented, and fiercely dedicated. Harri gave everything to the game, to his team mates and to this club.

The shirt that Morgan wore against the Sharks on Saturday (Image: Jac Morgan/Instagram )

“Having had the chance to spend time at a higher level, he returned home to Brynamman RFC, where his heart truly belonged.

The statement continued: “His loss leaves a hole that will never truly be filled, felt deeply across our club and community.

“As a club and community, we will come together to honour his memory in the way he truly deserves.

“We love you, Harri. Until we meet again. Rest easy.”

Get support for your mental health

The NHS Choices website lists the following helplines and support networks for people to talk to:

  • Samaritans (116 123) operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org.
  • Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
  • PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is an organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
  • Mind Cymru (02920 395 123) is a charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. They campaign to improve services, raise awareness and promote understanding.
  • Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts.
  • Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying.
  • CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales (0800 132 737) provides a Wales-wide 24/7 mental health multi-channel contact service. CALL offers emotional support, signposting to agencies relevant to the caller’s needs as well as free literature.