Wales international Dan Biggar revealed he will be calling time on his storied career at the end of the 2024/25 season.
He brings the curtain down on an illustrious playing career, having debuted for Ospreys back in 2007 and has since gone on to play over 100 Test matches for his country and represented the British and Irish Lions.
The 35-year-old bowed out of international rugby, last playing for Wales in the Rugby World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Argentina which was his 112th appearance for his country.
Biggar helped Wales win three Six Nations titles, represented the side at three World Cups and went on the 2017 and 2021 British and Irish Lions tours.
“There comes a point where you just know, not because of anything in particular, but 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,” Biggar said in a video posted to his social media accounts confirming his retirement.
“Rugby has 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.
“To my amazing wife Alex and my two beautiful boys, I can’t thank you enough for everything you’ve done for me. You were always there to pick me up when things were low and have been by my side through everything when I needed it. I’m very, very lucky.
“My family and friends who have sacrificed so much and supported me over the years. The real sad note for me, the one person who isn’t here to say thank you to is my mum who sadly passed away four years ago, she was my biggest fan and everything I’ve done over the last 18 years is because of her.”
Biggar spent the first 11 years of his senior career with the Ospreys, winning league titles in 2010 and 2018 with the club, playing over 200 times and scoring over 2000 points.
The retiring playmaker then went on to play for Northampton Saints until 2022 before signing with French Top 14 giants Toulon.
In his video, Biggar reserved a special thank you to ex-Ospreys coach Sean Holley, who handed him his professional debut at 17.
“To the clubs and coaches, but a special thank you has to go to Sean Holley, who took a chance on a young, cocky 17-year-old when public opinion told him to do otherwise. Who knows how things would have turned out if you hadn’t? So thank you, Sean,” he continued.
“The teammates I shared the pitch with, some of you have become friends for life, and that’s what I’ve absolutely loved about the game of rugby union.
“And of course, the supporters, whether it be in Wales, Saints, the Lions and France, thank you for making every moment so special. There are a few moments I’ll never forget. Whether it’s my first cap for Wales becoming a test centurion and a Test Lion those are extremely special.
“I can tell you it certainly hasn’t always been plain sailing and easy. Playing #10 for Wales brought its own unique pressure and challenges, but it made me stronger as a person and as a player.
“I know that the last 12 months haven’t quite gone as I’d hoped with Toulon. It’s been tough and setbacks teach you a lot more about yourself and over those last 12 months I’ve learned a huge amount and there’s no real moment, perfect moment to walk away. But this does feel like the right one.
“I’m choosing to retire, which a lot of sports people don’t get to do when they’re healthy, and I feel very grateful and excited about what’s coming next.
“Rugby will always be a part of me, but now it’s time to give a little bit of time back to my family in this beautiful part of the world and see what challenges come next. Just to finish, but to say a massive thank you to rugby itself for the memories, the people I’ve met, and the lessons that I’ve learned. I can honestly say that I gave it everything I had, and now it’s time for something new. Thank you, diolch and merci.”
