Dan Biggar picks his SHOCK replacement for Warren Gatland
Rugby NewsThursday, 20 February 2025 at 14:33
Wales legend Dan Biggar has broken his silence on who he thinks should take over from Warren Gatland – and it’s a bold call.
With .
14 consecutive defeats – the worst run in Welsh rugby history – pressure is mounting on the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to make the right move.
Matt Sherratt steps in – but who’s next?
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will act as interim boss for the remaining three Six Nations fixtures, but the hunt for Gatland’s long-term successor is already underway.
Gatland, who previously led Wales to three Grand Slams, two World Cup semi-finals, and even the No.1 world ranking, returned for a second stint in 2022. However, things haven’t gone to plan – winning just six of 26 Tests and sinking to a record-low 12th in the world rankings.
And according to Biggar, the WRU can’t afford to get this appointment wrong.
Biggar’s choice for Wales coach
Writing in his Mail Online column, Biggar didn’t hold back – naming Ronan O’Gara as his ideal candidate.
“My opinion is that Ronan O’Gara would be the perfect man to take the coaching job,” Biggar said.
But there’s a catch – O’Gara isn’t exactly queuing up for the role.
“He’s said he’s not overly interested in doing so,” Biggar admitted.
The next-best option?
If O’Gara is out of the picture, Biggar believes there’s another name that fits the bill – Simon Easterby
“Simon Easterby is an appointment that would make a lot of sense,” he explained.
The former Scarlets coach already knows the Welsh rugby landscape and even lives locally in the Vale of Glamorgan. But there’s a major stumbling block – Easterby is currently in charge of Ireland’s Six Nations campaign.
“Would he want to leave? Only he will know,” Biggar added.
A bigger problem than the head coach
For Biggar, the WRU’s issues go beyond just appointing a new coach – the entire Welsh rugby system needs fixing.
“It’s a big, big job. If the pathway systems aren’t improved, Wales could have Rassie Erasmus as head coach and things still wouldn’t change,” he warned.
A ‘free shot’ against Ireland
While the WRU weighs up their next move, Wales faces a daunting task against an in-form Ireland side this weekend.
Biggar believes the players must adopt a fearless mindset at a sold-out Principality Stadium.
“Wales have to go out and try to attack Ireland because if they just look to absorb them, they’ll have no chance,” he insisted.
With the pressure mounting and no clear successor in place, all eyes will be on Cardiff this weekend – and whether Sherratt’s side can finally break the losing streak.
Marcus Smith is one of rugby’s richest stars with huge net worth
From iconic players to unexpected names, here’s the ultimate countdown of rugby’s wealthiest stars.
10. Marcus Smith – £1.46 million ($2 million)
Harlequins’ playmaker and marketing magnet
Marcus Smith isn’t just one of England’s most exciting talents—he’s also a rising commercial powerhouse. While his Premiership earnings are solid, his growing net worth is boosted by lucrative sponsorship deals with brands like Charles Tyrwhitt, Castore, Land Rover, and Breitling. His marketability ensures he’s a financial force both on and off the pitch.
Marcus Smith isn’t just one of England’s most exciting talents—he’s also a rising commercial powerhouse. While his Premiership earnings are solid, his growing net worth is boosted by lucrative sponsorship deals with brands like Charles Tyrwhitt, Castore, Land Rover, and Breitling. His marketability ensures he’s a financial force both on and off the pitch.
9. Maro Itoje – £1.46 million ($2 million)
England and Saracens’ towering presence
Maro Itoje matches Marcus Smith both on the pitch and in the bank. With his growing influence on and off the field, Itoje’s salary mirrors his worth to Saracens and England alike.
Maro Itoje matches Marcus Smith both on the pitch and in the bank. With his growing influence on and off the field, Itoje’s salary mirrors his worth to Saracens and England alike.
8. Charles Piutau – £1.85 million ($2.5 million)
A marquee signing with a marquee salary
When Charles Piutau joined Bristol Bears, it wasn’t just his skills that made headlines—it was his paycheck. Over five seasons, the former All Black became one of the highest-paid players in the sport.
When Charles Piutau joined Bristol Bears, it wasn’t just his skills that made headlines—it was his paycheck. Over five seasons, the former All Black became one of the highest-paid players in the sport.
7. Handré Pollard – £1.94 million ($2.7 million)
A Springbok with serious earning power
The lone South African in this list, Handré Pollard made waves when he left the Bulls for Montpellier. Now at Leicester Tigers, reports suggest Pollard’s earnings hit around R15 million per season.
The lone South African in this list, Handré Pollard made waves when he left the Bulls for Montpellier. Now at Leicester Tigers, reports suggest Pollard’s earnings hit around R15 million per season.
6. Ilona Maher – £3 million
A trailblazer on and off the pitch
Ilona Maher’s influence goes far beyond rugby. The USA sevens star has carved out a lucrative career through sponsorships, social media, and a growing brand that makes her one of the sport’s most marketable athletes.
Ilona Maher’s influence goes far beyond rugby. The USA sevens star has carved out a lucrative career through sponsorships, social media, and a growing brand that makes her one of the sport’s most marketable athletes.
5. Mike Tindall – £9.98 million ($13 million)
The royal connection
Rugby royalty and actual royalty collide in Mike Tindall. A World Cup winner in 2003, Tindall’s fortunes come from a mix of his rugby career, business ventures, and media appearances. Despite a few legal hurdles, his net worth is nearing £10 million.
Rugby royalty and actual royalty collide in Mike Tindall. A World Cup winner in 2003, Tindall’s fortunes come from a mix of his rugby career, business ventures, and media appearances. Despite a few legal hurdles, his net worth is nearing £10 million.
4. Jonny Wilkinson – £20.9 million ($29 million)
England’s golden boy turned financial giant
Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic 2003 Rugby World Cup drop goal didn’t just win a trophy—it built a brand. Now the second-richest Rugby World Cup winner, Wilkinson’s ventures in coaching, commentary, and endorsements have significantly boosted his net worth.
Jonny Wilkinson’s iconic 2003 Rugby World Cup drop goal didn’t just win a trophy—it built a brand. Now the second-richest Rugby World Cup winner, Wilkinson’s ventures in coaching, commentary, and endorsements have significantly boosted his net worth.
3. Sonny Bill Williams – £21.8 million ($30 million)
A dual-code dynamo
Sonny Bill Williams has excelled in both union and league, earning a fortune in France and through high-profile endorsements. With a net worth of £21.8 million, his career is as lucrative as it is legendary.
Sonny Bill Williams has excelled in both union and league, earning a fortune in France and through high-profile endorsements. With a net worth of £21.8 million, his career is as lucrative as it is legendary.
2. Sir Bill Gammell – £38.8 million ($50 million)
From rugby to business titan
Once a Scottish rugby player, Sir Bill Gammell transitioned into the business world, building an empire. With a net worth exceeding £38.8 million, Gammell’s success spans far beyond the pitch.
Once a Scottish rugby player, Sir Bill Gammell transitioned into the business world, building an empire. With a net worth exceeding £38.8 million, Gammell’s success spans far beyond the pitch.
1. Simon McDowell – £39.3 million ($54 million)
From referee to chemical company mogul
Simon McDowell may not be a household name among casual rugby fans, but his fortune outshines every player on this list. The former Ulster back earned a handful of caps for Ireland before injury ended his playing career early. However, his true wealth comes from his role in the family business, which operates in the chemical industry. His staggering £39.3 million net worth places him at the top of rugby’s richest.
Simon McDowell may not be a household name among casual rugby fans, but his fortune outshines every player on this list. The former Ulster back earned a handful of caps for Ireland before injury ended his playing career early. However, his true wealth comes from his role in the family business, which operates in the chemical industry. His staggering £39.3 million net worth places him at the top of rugby’s richest.
Quiz: Can you all of the Guinness Six Nations winning captains?
In the storied history of Rugby's Greatest Championship, exceptional leaders have emerged—warriors of various forms, be they agile half-backs, towering second rows, or fearless flankers.
Our latest quiz invites you to identify those who have captained their nations to Guinness Six Nations glory. It's worth noting that in certain instances, there may be multiple captains from the same year due to factors such as injuries and rotation.
Surnames only will be accepted.
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