Statement: Fly-half confirms he will be unavailable for 2025 British & Irish Lions tour

Monday, 10 February 2025 at 09:40

byRugby Rucker

After 15 years at the top of Test rugby, leading one of the most successful teams in Welsh history, Dan Biggar is ready to share his story.

Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!

Now playing for Toulon in France, the fly-half amassed 112 caps for Wales before stepping away from international rugby in 2023.

Reflecting on his career in his upcoming book, Biggar says: "When I look back, I can confidently say I gave everything I had."

The book's synopsis reads: "Biggar has never fitted the mould. Throughout his long and decorated career, he has had to confront the critics, to silence the cynics.

"His playing style has been described as brash, aggressive and forthright, and it has earned him a reputation he has never been able to shake.

"But to anyone who knows him off the pitch, he is one of the most grounded ambassadors the game could ask for. "Honest and self-critical, Dan offers a rare insight into his personal and professional life. He talks candidly of his place within rugby, from the Premiership through to the Lions, and of the power dynamics within Wales’ most successful squad ever.

Simon Thomas Rugby

@simonrug

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During our lengthy chat, Dan Biggar spoke about his favourite match, the highs and lows of his career, how he dealt with criticism, what the future holds and the writing of his new autobiography. Here’s the interview in full. nation.cymru/sport/the-bigg…

10:44 AM · Sep 6, 2024

Eight Players Who Flopped in the Six Nations This Weekend

The second round of the 2025 Six Nations saw Italy defeat Wales 22-15 in Rome, England edge France 26-25 at Twickenham, and Ireland secure a dominant 32-18 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield.

Despite the thrilling action, several players underperformed. Here’s a summary of the eight who struggled, with quotes from the key publications.

1. Finn Russell (Scotland)

Rugby Pass 4.5/10: "Lost a couple of high hanging kicks... Forced off after 21 minutes following a head collision."
RUCK 5/10: "Couldn't get his nation ticking in the early stages."
The Scotsman: "Limited impact on the game early on as Ireland took control."

Verdict: Russell was underwhelming, leaving Scotland on the back foot from the start.

2. Jonny Gray (Scotland)

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Struggled to make an impact and was replaced early in the second half."
Planet Rugby 5/10: "A few good moments in the set-piece, but nothing substantial."

Verdict: Gray was largely ineffective and couldn’t contribute to Scotland’s fightback.

3. Antoine Dupont (France)

Rugby Pass 5/10: "Had a few sloppy passes and missed a try-scoring chance."
Mail Online 6/10: "Far from his best but still involved in setting up tries."

Verdict: Dupont’s usual brilliance was lacking, and he struggled with errors that disrupted France’s rhythm.

4. Josh Adams (Wales)

RUCK 3/10: "Butchered two try-scoring opportunities and got a yellow card."
Planet Rugby 4/10: "Missed two huge chances, lucky to escape a red card."
Wales Online 4/10: "Butchered two easy try-scoring chances and received a yellow card."

Verdict: Adams’ poor decision-making and missed opportunities overshadowed his performance.

5. Marcus Smith (England)

RUCK 5/10: "Struggled with decision-making and was inconsistent in attack and defence."
Evening Standard 5/10: "Lucky not to be punished for defensive lapses."
Planet Rugby 4/10: "His kicking woes made things difficult."

Verdict: Smith’s performance was mixed, with missed kicks and defensive mistakes.

6. Henry Thomas (Wales)

Planet Rugby 3/10: "Put under serious pressure in the scrum, conceded multiple penalties."
Wales Online 4/10: "Gave away four scrum penalties and was replaced at halftime."
RUCK 3/10: "Physically outmatched by the Italian pack."

Verdict: Thomas struggled at the scrum, and his performance hurt Wales’ forward dominance.

7. Evan Lloyd (Wales)

Planet Rugby 4/10: "Lineout misfired again and couldn’t help his props."
Wales Online 4/10: "Struggled in the lineout but solid in attack and defence."
RUCK 3/10: "Failed to make an impact at the lineout."

Verdict: Lloyd’s lack of impact in the lineout hurt Wales' set-piece.

8. Luke Cowan-Dickie (England)

Evening Standard 5/10: "Struggled with the lineout, losing three of six."
Rugby Pass 6/10: "Lineout issues disrupted England’s flow."
Express 6/10: "England’s lineout struggled in the first half."

Verdict: Cowan-Dickie’s struggles at the lineout disrupted England's set-piece.

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