Dan Biggar has revealed he is preparing to hang up his boots as he approaches the final year of his contract with French club Toulon.
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The former Wales fly-half, who retired from international rugby following the 2023 World Cup, is set to see his current deal with the Top 14 side come to an end next summer, marking two years at the club.
As he nears his 35th birthday, Biggar has faced questions about his future, particularly after an injury-hit period, but remains content with life in France alongside his family.
Speaking to Nation Cymru while promoting his autobiography The Biggar Picture, he reflected: “I feel like I’ve had a pretty good career, and there’s not much more to squeeze out.”
Biggar added that he’s been enjoying new pursuits outside rugby, including media work and punditry. “I’ve lived by a schedule for the last 17 or 18 years, so it’s nice to have a bit more freedom to choose what I want to do.”
As retirement looms, the former Ospreys and Northampton Saints player admitted: “I still feel relatively good and we’re gearing up for a big season with Toulon. But this year or next year won’t be far off, and we’ll see where things go from there.
“One thing’s for sure, I’m not going to be ringing every club looking for a contract,” he concluded.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia)
Owens said: “For me, it’s nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.
“But I go for Folau – only just, I should stress – because of his ability to seemingly beat his man every time he gets the ball in his hand. He’s such an exciting player and like Leigh he is one of the best under the high ball.
“It’s a toss of a coin for me… and it’s come down in Folau’s favour.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He’s so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he’s a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you’ll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he’s a fantastic man off the field as well. O’Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand)
Owens said: “He’s another brilliant player and after every game, win or lose, he would come up and give me a hug. Ma’a has always found time at after-match functions or at breakfast if we’ve been staying at the same hotel to come over and have a chat.
“What a player, mind, too. One of the stalwarts of the New Zealand side for so many years.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it’s pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I’ve been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I’m pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”