Rugby Union

Former Wales And Lions Fly-Half Dan Biggar Announces Retirement Via Social Media

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Former Wales and British & Irish Lions star Dan Biggar has announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of the current season.

Biggar, 35, earned 112 caps for Wales between 2008-2023, and twice toured with the Lions – in 2017 and 2021.

The Swansea-born fly-half made more than 200 appearances for Ospreys before switching to the English Premiership with Northampton Saints in 2018.

After four years at Northampton, he ed French giants Toulon in 2022, but has now decided to call time on his career.

Dan Biggar Announces Retirement With Heartfelt Video

Taking to Instagram, Biggar confirmed this season would be his last by posting a poignant video.

In it, he said: “Someone once said to me “When you know, you’ll know”, and after 18 years I now know that this is the time to announce my retirement from rugby.

“Rugby’s given me everything. I threw myself into this game at 17 and it’s given me a life  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 then paid tribute to his family, thanking them for ing his illustrious career.

“To my amazing wife Alex, and my two beautiful boys, I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me,” he added.

“The real sad note for me, the one person who isn’t here to say thank you to is my mum, who sadly ed away four years ago.

“She was my biggest fan and everything I’ve done over the last 18 years is because of her.”

Recounting some of the highlights of his playing days, Biggar had plenty of moments to choose from.

“There are a few moments I’ll never forget, whether it’s earning my first cap for Wales, becoming a test centurion and a test Lion are extremely special,” he said.

“Playing number ten for Wales has brought its own unique pressure and challenges bu it made me stronger as a person and as a player.

“There’s no real perfect moment to walk away but this does feel like the right one, I’m choosing to retire when I’m healthy, and I’m very excited about what’s coming next.

“I can honestly say that I gave it everything that I had, and now it’s time for something new.

“Thank you, Diolch, Merci.”

Who Does Dan Biggar Play For?

As a child, Biggar played club rugby for Gorseinon RFC, before being selected for the Ospreys development pathway.

He then played for Swansea in the Welsh Premiership, and made his senior Ospreys debut aged 18, coming off the bench at the Millennium Stadium against Saracens in the EDF Energy Cup semi-final.

After 11 years and 200+ games for Ospreys, he ed Northampton in 2018, spending four seasons in the English Premiership.

Since 2022, Dan Biggar has played in the French Top 14 for Toulon.

He made his international debut for Wales in 2008, at just 19. After earning more than 100 test caps, Biggar retired from international rugby following the 2023 World Cup in .

Wales Rugby Stats

Dan Biggar retires as an all-time great for Wales, near the top of both the individual points record and the most-capped players list.

Most Capped Welsh Rugby Players Ever

  • 158 – Alun Wyn Jones (2006-2023)
  • 129 – Gethin Jenkins (2002-2016)
  • 121 – George North (2010-2024)
  • 112 – Dan Biggar (2008-2023)
  • 108 Taulupe Faletau (2011-present)

Most Points In Welsh Rugby

  • 1,049 – Neil Jenkins (1991–2002)
  • 917 – Stephen Jones (1998–2011)
  • 801 – Leigh Halfpenny (2008–2023)
  • 631 – Dan Biggar (2008–2023)
  • 352 – James Hook (2006–2015)
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James Chittick
Sports Editor

James is an experienced writer covering a wide range of sports, including Premier League and European football, Rugby Union, WWE and the NFL. Having studied English & Creative Writing at Plymouth University, James completed a master's degree in Digital & Social Media Marketing before pursuing a career in Journalism. He then graduated from News Associates in Manchester after finishing their NCTJ Postgraduate Diploma in Multimedia Sports Journalism. Since then, James spent time writing for GameRant before ing Reach PLC, where he featured regularly in publications such as the Daily Mirror, Football.LDN, Manchester Evening News and Liverpool Echo, as well as dozens of local titles. Now at SportsCasting, James provides expert analysis and detailed research features, as well as covering breaking news stories.

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Author photo
James Chittick Sports Editor

James is an experienced writer covering a wide range of sports, including Premier League and European football, Rugby Union, WWE and the NFL. Having studied English & Creative Writing at Plymouth University, James completed a master's degree in Digital & Social Media Marketing before pursuing a career in Journalism. He then graduated from News Associates in Manchester after finishing their NCTJ Postgraduate Diploma in Multimedia Sports Journalism. Since then, James spent time writing for GameRant before ing Reach PLC, where he featured regularly in publications such as the Daily Mirror, Football.LDN, Manchester Evening News and Liverpool Echo, as well as dozens of local titles. Now at SportsCasting, James provides expert analysis and detailed research features, as well as covering breaking news stories.

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