Retiring Dan Biggar Reveals the Toughest Player He's Ever Faced – And It's Not Who You Think
Rugby NewsMonday, 07 April 2025 at 13:16
As the curtain falls on an illustrious 18-year career, former British and Irish Lions and Wales fly-half Dan Biggar is set to retire at the end of the season.
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Having spent the last couple of years at Toulon after joining in November 2022, Biggar bows out with a stellar legacy, having won 112 caps for Wales and scored over 600 points.
The 35-year-old's final appearance came at the 2023 Rugby World Cup, a fitting end to a career that saw him win three Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam.
Biggar also captained Wales during the Wayne Pivac era and represented the Lions in two tours, earning three Test caps in South Africa in 2021.
The Usual Suspects: Owen Farrell, George Ford, and Co.
Biggar has shared the field with some of the game's best. He’s faced off against giants like Owen Farrell, George Ford, David Pocock, and Michael Hooper, all of whom made their mark on his career. But despite all the fierce competition, there’s one player who stands out as the toughest of them all.
A Surprising Choice: Johnny Sexton Takes the Top Spot
Despite calling Antoine Dupont the greatest player he's ever seen, Biggar crowned Johnny Sexton as the hardest player he’s ever battled. Why? Well, it’s not just the sheer number of encounters, but the relentless preparation and consistency Sexton brought to every game.
Biggar explained, "The reason I’ve gone for this player is the amount of battles I’ve had with him over the years. The longevity of his career, the success he’s had, and just what you see on the field being completely different to what you get off the field. The relationship I’ve got with him is actually really, really good."
The Lions Tour That Changed Everything
Reflecting on their time together during the 2017 Lions tour, Biggar was blown away by Sexton’s dedication. "The amount of time he spent on laptops, perfecting his kicking, his passing – it was next level," said Biggar.
It wasn’t just their fierce rivalries on the field – it was the behind-the-scenes work that made Sexton stand out to Biggar.
Stopping Sexton: Biggar’s Eternal Challenge
Over the years, their rivalry was a constant talking point – whether it was with Wales or Leinster, Biggar found himself constantly trying to stop Sexton from controlling the game. "The variety of his game was just brilliant," Biggar said. "He was tough, the amount of injuries he picked up... he was always there, always playing."
A Touch of Class: Sexton’s Gesture in 2013
Biggar also recalled his first Six Nations start in 2013 against Ireland, where Sexton, ever the gentleman, handed him his match shirt without asking for one in return. "He just said ‘keep yours,’ which was a really nice touch. He’s an all-round brilliant guy but so, so tough on the field. Argumentative, fractious, niggly – I saw so much of myself in him."
Consistency Personified: Sexton’s Career Legacy
Sexton’s consistency over his career – whether for Leinster, Ireland, or the Lions – was also something Biggar couldn’t ignore. "He’s not the flashiest of 10s, but he’s consistency like you’ve never seen it, always a seven-and-a-half or an eight out of 10 every game."
A true legend of the game, Sexton’s impact on Biggar and the rugby world will be felt for years to come.
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Nigel Owens Brutally Ranks Who Was Worst to Ref Between Sexton, Farrell and Biggar
Arguably, the three worst players to deal with these days are Owen Farrell, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton.
Owens has had his say on all three, ranking them from worst to best.
#3. Owen Farrell (England)
Farrell, the English rugby captain, epitomizes leadership and respect. Renowned for his versatility as a fly-half or centre, he combines skill and discipline, serving as a linchpin in England's rugby campaigns.
Nigel Owens said: "I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
"I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
"I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that."
#2. Dan Biggar (Wales)
Biggar, the Welsh rugby sensation, is celebrated for his unwavering focus and passion. A prolific fly-half, he has charmed fans with his skill and respect on and off the field.
Owens said: "Oh god yes. He's so focused and so passionate about what he's doing, we've had a few run ins on the pitch down the years.
"I mean, it's always been in a respectful way as we always have a drink and a laugh after the game."
#1. Johnny Sexton (Ireland)
Sexton, the Irish rugby maestro, leads with intelligence and grit. As a world-class fly-half, he's earned his place among the rugby elite through precise decision-making and relentless determination.
Owens on Sexton and Biggar: “I’ll tell you what, they’re probably the best two referees in the world, Dan Biggar and Johnny Sexton, because when you ref them they always think they know more than you!”
Owens also named the referee who would make the best player, as well as the referee who would make the worst player.
“Which referee fancies themselves as the best player? Well, that would be Nic Berry, because he played at the top level for Wasps and [Racing 92] as a very, very talented scrum-half and a very talented referee as well,” Owens said.
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