Dan Biggar announces shock retirement ahead of World Cup

At 33 years of age, Biggar has chosen to unveil his retirement plans exclusively through his forthcoming column in the Mail on Sunday. However, he remains committed to donning the Welsh jersey for one last hurrah on the grand stage, set for the imminent World Cup under the leadership of Warren Gatland.

The impending World Cup holds immense significance for Wales, as they find themselves pitted against formidable adversaries in the form of Australia, Georgia, Fiji, and Portugal within their group. The path to progression appears rugged, particularly in the aftermath of Fiji's historic upset over England at the iconic Twickenham Stadium last Saturday.

A departure from the strategies of stalwarts like Alun Wyn Jones and Rhys Webb, who chose to step aside prior to Wales' World Cup build-up, Biggar's resolute focus will revolve around his contributions to Club Toulon post the conclusion of the global tournament.

Of noteworthy mention is the fact that his Toulon journey will intertwine with that of Jones, the Welsh icon who recently embarked on his French rugby stint subsequent to his switch from the Ospreys this summer.

Mark your calendars as Wales embark on their World Cup voyage, igniting their campaign with a clash against Fiji slated for the 10th of September.

Biggar conveyed his poignant message via X, as shared by the adept rugby correspondent Nik Simon of The Daily Mail.

Here's the lowdown on five fellas who should be shown the door and swapped out before that showdown with Argentina

Planet Rugby 2/10: "Can’t get around the field effectively enough. Set-piece is pretty strong but often exposed in the loose."

Rugby Pass 3/10: "A first start since September 2019, the question must be asked is can England afford to have him involved when he is allergic to the ball? Just a single carry in 69 minutes."

Evening Standard 3/10: "One of England’s finest servants, but at 36 England should have moved on by now."

Replacement: Kyle Sinckler

Telegraph 4/10: "As ever, notwithstanding his footballing ability, doubts swirl around whether he offers enough of an individual threat out wide. On this evidence, he doesn’t."

Planet Rugby 2/10: " Doesn’t do anything well enough to be a top Test player, quite frankly."

Rugby Pass 4.5/10: "A statistically quiet outing and yet he got a flapping hand to a couple of aerial first half kicks, enough to win back ball for England with a tactic that had failed them this month. Also denied a diving try in corner late in the first half, but his second half showing petered out."

Evening Standard 2/10: "Flattened by Semi Radradra and was quiet throughout."

Replacement: Henry Arundell

Telegraph 3/10: "Ubiquitous in the warm-ups, the only player to start all four, but saved his worst until last. Could not catch a cold - admittedly in the midst of a downpour."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "Turnovers in his game have become a concern and there were more here. Showed little in attack and also couldn’t shut the door as last man for the opening two Fijians tries, the second concession on 53 minutes the prompt for him to be subbed for Marcus Smith."

Planet Rugby 2/10: "Great under the high ball but one-on-one defence isn’t good enough. Lacks pace and it’s exposed when England’s first-up rearguard is missing tackles."

Replacement: Marcus Smith

Evening Standard 3/10: "Still finding his feet after injury but England desperately need him at full tilt."

Telegraph 4/10: "The lock’s first start since March, and it showed. A leading light in the Six Nations, the lock understandably needs time to get back to his best - which England do not have."

Replacement: David Ribbans

Telegraph 4/10: "One of few individual positives in August, but there was not much to sing about on Saturday. Caught dawdling for Fiji’s second try and could not impose himself with the ball."

Planet Rugby 3/10: "Moved to eight in the absence of Billy Vunipola but completely ineffective."

Rugby Pass 4/10: "A first start in this No8 position at Test level, no one can quibble with his huge number of tackles. However, England need a ball carrier in this role and he didn’t do this, his struggle encapsulated by the flapped attempted catch of a Ford crossfield kick with his team chasing on the scoreboard."

Evening Standard 2/10: "No carrying threat, and could not dominate at the ruck."

Replacement: Zach Mercer