Dan Biggar, ex-Lions and Wales fly-half, announces rugby retirement

Dan Biggar, the former British and Irish Lions and Wales fly-half, has confirmed he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season, concluding a decorated 18-year career.

Biggar, 34, made the announcement on social media, revealing he would hang up his boots after finishing the season with French Top 14 side Toulon, where he has played since November 2022.

He earned 112 caps for Wales across a 15-year international career, amassing over 600 points. His final appearance for the national side came in their 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina.

During his time in a red jersey, Biggar helped Wales secure three Six Nations titles, including a Grand Slam. He also captained the team during Wayne Pivac’s tenure as head coach.

In addition to his international achievements, Biggar was selected for two British and Irish Lions tours. He featured in three Test matches during the 2021 series against South Africa.

“There comes a point where you just know,” Biggar said in his retirement statement. “Not because of anything in particular, but someone once said to me when you know, you’ll know.”

“Rugby has given me everything. I threw myself into this game at 17 and it’s given me a life that I could never have imagined. I’ve lived out my childhood dreams for the best part of two decades and I’m so, so grateful for that.”

Biggar began his senior career with the Ospreys before moving to Northampton Saints in 2018. He quickly became known for his reliability off the tee, tactical kicking, and competitive spirit on the pitch.

Toulon have yet to confirm when Biggar will play his final match, but tributes from across the rugby world have already begun pouring in for one of Wales’ most influential players of the modern era.

The retirement marks the end of an era for Wales rugby, as Biggar follows a line of senior players stepping back from international duty post-World Cup