Latest news with #Biggar
Wales Online
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Wales Online
Wales' Japan tour can finally end two directionless years in the position the country loves most
Wales' Japan tour can finally end two directionless years in the position the country loves most Wales have spent two years muddling about with their fly-halves amid a 17-Test losing run, but could this summer change that? A silhouetted Sam Costelow in Brisbane on last year's tour of Australia (Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency Ltd ) Fly-half has always been a position that Welsh rugby has struggled to get to grips with. As the late Eddie Butler once said: 'Wales and the No. 10 shirt have an almost unhealthily close relationship. The vulnerability of little facing big, the chance to strut: it's Wales all over.' It's a position that we adore, one that - perhaps more than any other - has contributed to the wider culture in Wales over the years, but that brings a unique pressure with it, too. Many are called, but few are chosen. Those who have worn the jersey know that only too well. Barry John walked away from the spotlight at 27, while Phil Bennett was dropped by the Big Five. Gareth Davies was left out for 'A. N. Other', while Jonathan Davies went north after growing frustrated with Welsh rugby. Countless others have had their battles with the slings and arrows in the years since, be it Neil Jenkins, Stephen Jones, James Hook or Dan Biggar. Never is the path of a Welsh fly-half a smooth one. Article continues below Two years ago, Biggar decided his own time in the jersey was at an end. Scarlets fly-half Sam Costelow was anointed his successor, both with Biggar's beloved laundry duty, but also as Wales' next fly-half moving forward. All the talk towards the end of the 2023 World Cup was how Costelow - having been a eye-catching talent both with the U20s and as part of the Scarlets' run to the Challenge Cup semi-finals that year - would be Wales' long-term 10 following Biggar's emotional farewell. That farewell came sooner than they'd hoped, with a quarter-final defeat to Argentina brutally ending Biggar's Test career. A late intercept from Costelow only served to knock his confidence ahead of taking on the starting jersey full-time. Since then, it's felt like Costelow has always been on the back-foot. His first start AB - After Biggar - saw Wales get their tactics all wrong against Scotland in the 2024 Six Nations opener. While the coaches insisted privately the mindset was to play running rugby, they ended up falling into conservative patterns as they fell to a 27-0 deficit at half-time. Costelow was replaced by Ioan Lloyd and Wales nearly pulled off a remarkable comeback. One game into the Costelow era and already the jersey was no longer his, with Lloyd starting the next game at Twickenham. Costelow won it back for the remaining games against Ireland, France and Italy, before starting the summer Test against South Africa in London. However, once in Australia, Ben Thomas - despite playing the vast majority of his rugby for Cardiff in midfield - was Warren Gatland's 10. Sign up to Inside Welsh rugby on Substack to get exclusive news stories and insight from behind the scenes in Welsh rugby. Then, in the autumn, Gareth Anscombe was the man in possession of the jersey, with Costelow handed a start at the end of the campaign - when Wales were already starting down the barrel of a winless calendar year - against the world champions, South Africa. As a first full year in Test rugby goes, it was tough on the young Scarlet. Injury kept him out of the Six Nations - perhaps a blessing in disguise as Wales slumped to another successive wooden spoon - but now he travels to Japan this summer as one of two fly-halves. The other, Ospreys playmaker Dan Edwards, has been on the Test scene for a considerably shorter period of time than Costelow, but has his own frustrating experiences too. Named in the Six Nations squad, he was called from the bench in the final throes of Gatland's miserable second stint - being asked to turn the tide against France and Italy away from home. The likes of John, Bennett and Jiffy would have struggled in those circumstances. When Gatland left and was replaced by Cardiff coach Matt Sherratt, Anscombe was handed a recall along with Jarrod Evans - meaning Edwards didn't see another minute of action in the Six Nations. All of which leads us onto this summer. The fact that the pair are Wales' only out-and-out 10s - not forgetting Thomas can cover the position - means minutes are essentially guaranteed for both. After two years of experimenting and wandering around without direction with the fly-half position, this tour of Japan could be the time where Wales take a meaningful step forward. Sherratt - once again in interim charge for the summer - spoke last week of wanting to leave the next Wales head coach with something to build upon. With no senior fly-half in the squad, there'll at least be some meaningful answers when it comes to the fly-half position. For two years, Costelow has been slowly drained of his confidence, with the ailing fortunes of the men's national team occasionally laid at his door. Injuries haven't helped, either. And yet, as you look at the Scarlets' late-season ascent into the United Rugby Championship play-offs, Dwayne Peel's side are undeniably a better side when it is Costelow pulling the strings. That doesn't necessarily mean the transition can be made to becoming a reliable presence on the Test scene, but the truth is - even when detractors want to make the judgement off a half of rugby here or there - is that he's not had enough time in the saddle to decide that fact. Japan this summer, with its early morning UK kick-off times that are already competing with the Lions tour, doesn't bring the same glare that Costelow's other appearances have brought. He can get on with two Tests against the Brave Blossoms, just trying to stamp his mark on the Test game. Judgements can come later on whether Costelow is Wales' next fly-half, but just getting his confidence back at that level is what you hope this summer will bring. As for Edwards, there's a natural swagger to the 22-year-old. What he needs is game time. Article continues below That should come this July in Kitakyushu and Kobe. It could just be that, in the months ahead, both of Wales' fly-halves get exactly what they need from the trip to Japan.
The Citizen
23-05-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Durban North resident laces up for debut Comrades Marathon
WITH under six weeks of preparation to go, excitement is building for Aaron Biggar who is taking on his first Comrades Marathon on Sunday, June 8. The 30-year-old qualified for 'The Ultimate Human Race', as the marathon is officially referred to, at last year's Cape Town Marathon. The Durban North resident says his objective for his Comrades debut is to just 'finish and have fun'. 'They say your first one is always your PB (personal best) and my objective is definitely to finish. I don't want to go in there and thrash it out. I want to dance at almost every water station. I want to have a good time. If you've seen me run I'm not someone who keeps quiet, I expel a lot of energy and I plan to do that with the crowd. You won't need to find me on the course, you'll hear me before you see me,' he said. Also read: Comrades Marathon confirms new finish venue, official race distance Biggar, who comes from a sporting background, explained how his journey started. 'I first started off with Park Run. That's where my passion for running came about. That transitioned to being named the captain of Adidas Runners and then me entering the Comrades Marathon. I think the Comrades is the ultimate representation of Durban. I turned 30 this year and some of my family members have run the marathon, that has all led me to enter this year,' he said. Biggar will be supported by his wife and his family along the route and said he will feed off their support along the route. 'I've done a few route testers and I know it is going to be a painful race. However, I'm confident in my training and all the mileage I've covered. I know I will get more energised seeing family members along the route. I need that energy to carry me to the end. With it being a Down Run, I know where all my Durban people will be and I will start to see familiar faces at the point where I need them the most. The other motivation is I will be running home in familiar conditions,' he said. Also read: Comrades Marathon to introduce two race starts While he is yet to complete his first, Biggar has already set his sights on getting his back-to-back Comrades medal and has mentioned 2027 which will be the 100th running of the Comrades Marathon. Fun on the run What is your earliest Comrades memory? 'In terms of memory, it would be watching it on television with my parents. They always watched it. In person it was cheering on runners at 45th Cutting and then with the Adidas Runners group, we had an informal cheer zone where we interacted with and encouraged runners to the point where I said to myself 'I have to be a part of this someday'.' What is the worst thing to shout out to a runner in an ultra-distance marathon? 'It might be 'how are you feeling?' when you're close to the end of a race. You know the person is in pain. Personally I'd much prefer a clap or 'keep it up' or 'keep going'.' What is an essential food item you like to eat on a long distance run? 'This is something I've asked my wife to bring me at the 50km mark. An Afros Chicken meal with strips and chips and lemon and herb sauce. I will probably take a few minutes to eat it and then get going again.' What tips would you offer to long-distance runners? 'One thing I've learnt is that mileage on the legs is important. Especially with these long ultra-marathons, you need to do consistent mileage. Yes you can add up all your short runs and they are beneficial, but nothing prepares you better than doing long distance runs.' Why the Comrades Marathon? 'My grandfather Peter and my uncles have attempted the Comrades so I'm inspired by my family. There is also talk of creating a legacy with my two younger brothers who want to run the Comrades Marathon in the future with me which would be something special.' For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Sunday Post
04-05-2025
- Business
- Sunday Post
Rising rate of retirees using pensions for gambling
Get a weekly round-up of stories from The Sunday Post: Thank you for signing up to our Sunday Post newsletter. Something went wrong - please try again later. Sign Up Retirees should be quizzed about their gambling habits when they first access their pension pots, experts say. The call comes as a new report reveals that almost one in three adults over the age of 65 bets beyond the lottery. Analysis by Glasgow University's gambling research unit also shows some adults aged 55 – the age at which people can first access their personal pension – and over experience some level of gambling risk. The study also found that over-65s tended to gamble even more frequently, with more than half reporting weekly participation in activities such as sports betting, bingo and online casino games. The researchers suggest that older people should now be asked whether their own or someone else's gambling has caused them concern when accessing their pensions. Research associate Dr Blair Biggar said: 'While we often discuss how major life transitions, such as leaving home or starting work, can influence gambling behaviour, retirement is another key moment of change that has been largely overlooked. 'As individuals adapt to changing financial situations and lifestyle transitions, some may engage in gambling for various reasons, such as maintaining routine amid boredom or coping with the adjustments of retirement. This study underscores the importance of understanding these risks and implementing safeguards to support older adults.' The report opens the door for financial services firms to establish industry practices to address common concerns around customers affected by gambling, Biggar said. For example, a simple screening question could be introduced when individuals first access their pension funds. 'This could involve asking whether their own or someone else's gambling has caused them concern,' he said. Firms could also consider providing clear warnings and signposting to the National Gambling Helpline, and offering educational resources on financial wellbeing, the study concludes. Lisa Picardo, chief business officer UK of pension consolidation company PensionBee, said: 'Gambling harms are often associated with younger people, but this research brings attention to the issue faced by retirees. 'Screening questions and accessible support pathways are measures that could play a role in raising awareness of gambling-related challenges. By exploring these approaches, the industry may be able to better support individuals in making informed financial decisions and improve their financial wellbeing in later life.' Figures released recently by the Gambling Commission found a staggering 39% of those aged 65-74 surveyed said they had gambled online in the past four weeks – a 124% increase since 2019. Experts blame part of the rise on the Covid lockdown measures in which betting shops closed and events such as horse racing, cricket and football faced restrictions. During this time online gambling boomed with operators heavily marketing their platforms. Gambling awareness organisation GamCare said one of the biggest challenges with experiencing gambling issues at an older age is the financial difficulties people may experience and the more limited opportunities to pay back debt at this stage of life. Chief executive Victoria Corbishley told The Sunday Post: 'Gambling addiction is widely known as the 'hidden addiction' and detecting when a problem is occurring can be difficult. This is why it is so important that more organisations offer opportunities to screen for gambling harm and provide opportunities to prevent problems from occurring where they can.' © Supplied by GamCare However, privacy campaigners say questioning pensioners about their gambling habits is a step too far. James Baker of the Open Rights Group said asking people who are about to retire if they gamble is not only intrusive but could be harmful, if this information is then shared and later used to establish their creditworthiness or deny them credit. 'In addition, people who have a problem with gambling actually need protection against commercial tracking and data sharing that may allow gambling companies or others to identify their vulnerability,' he said. 'The best way to protect these people is to reduce the amount of information that exists about them and that could be later weaponised against them.' Anyone struggling with their own gambling or someone else's can contact GamCare's National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133.
BBC News
09-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Retiring Biggar targets family time over full coaching role
Dan Biggar has ruled out moving into coaching full time in the immediate future when he retires as a player at the end of the 35-year-old former British and Irish Lions and Wales fly-half will finish his 18-year career at French club Toulon, who he joined in November former Ospreys and Northampton Saints player is open to the possibility of a part-time consultancy role, but in the meantime will content himself with media work and being able to spend more time with his family."I think initially I'm feeling quite excited... for the last 18 or 19 years I've been told I've got to be in this place and doing this exercise, or this meeting or whatever it is. I've been told what to wear, what time to get on a bus, what time to get on a 'plane," Biggar said, speaking on the BBC Radio Wales phone-in. "We've never been able to just book something in advance, so my wife asked me the other day can we take the kids to Disneyland around Halloween. So without even thinking I said, 'Yeah let's book it now, let's do it'. That's kind of the first time in 19 years I've been able to do that."I think clearly the novelty of that will eventually wear off, I think I'm going to have to have some sort of routine but I think it's nice. I need routine in my life but given also how much routine I have had, it will be nice to have some freedom with that. "If I want to go and play golf on a Wednesday afternoon, or if I want to take the kids away for a weekend and things like that, it still gives me that freedom."So I'm not sure exactly what the future holds for me, media bits and pieces, some stuff like that. Hopefully we're going to stay living in France, which will be great for the kids with the whole lifestyle, and we'll just take it from there."I would love to do coaching and the media route, for anyone who does media, is the easier route than coaching. You're sitting there watching it with cameras and slo-mo; since I've retired I've never made a mistake for Wales! You become the perfect player, you say 'I wouldn't have done that, or that'."So I'm not saying for one minute it's the easier route, I've got so much time for the coaches and things. But what I don't want to give after 18-19 years in the game, is I don't want to be giving up the time that coaches in the professional game - particularly at club level - have to give."If you're a player you switch off when you get in your car and go home for the night. Coaches don't do that, coaches are there every weekend, every night on the laptop. If someone said to me you could coach from eight o'clock in the morning until three o'clock in the afternoon Monday to Friday I'd probably snap your hand off, but I know that just isn't good enough to get it done to a level I wanted, and it's just not achievable in the modern day."I'd love to be able to help out in some way, in terms of whether it's a consultancy role a couple of days a week or whatever, but the full-time coaching is probably a little bit beyond what I'm prepared to give from a time point of view." Biggar began his rugby career at Gorseinon RFC and went on to play for Swansea RFC, Ospreys and English side Northampton before joining Toulon in November 2022, and he will finish his career with the French powerhouses at the end of the season. The 35-year-old won 112 caps for Wales in an international career spanning 15 years, which included two British and Irish Lions tours on which he made three Test appearances in South Africa in scored more than 600 Test points, won three Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam with Wales and also captained his country. His final international appearance was at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Time to 'give back' to family Biggar admits that the decision to retire is one that has been on his mind for some time."I didn't just wake up one morning and think 'you know what, today is the day (to retire)'," he said."I think after the (2023) World Cup, I think my whole career had been based on playing to the highest level, whether that was Wales, the Lions, World Cups etc."When I finished with Wales 18 months ago after the World Cup it was kind of like at the minute you were just going from week to week and you realise how nice it is being at home a bit more."And things haven't quite gone as well as I would have liked this year in terms of playing-wise in Toulon, I'm coming towards the end, and I just thought well why not get out ahead of it a little bit and make the decision myself."It just felt like the time was right from a family perspective, from a playing perspective and from what I've got going on off the field it just felt like the right time, and time to give back a little bit, a bit of time back to my family as well."The thing I'm most proud of in my career - because it is a job at the end of the day, people sometimes forget it's a job - is being able to give my kids and my wife, I suppose, a great opportunity in life."That was probably something that when I was younger I could never have dreamed of for them, so that was a big influence in it and you don't realise how much it affects your kids, your wife and people closest to you."Because they're the ones who have to pick the pieces up when things are difficult, when you don't want to go out for dinner, out of your front door - you come home in a bad mood or you're injured or whatever it is."They have to miss out on so much and for me I just thought this is the time now when we're young, we're healthy, we're able to do loads of things, give the kids opportunities, and it just felt like it was right to give some of my time back to them, because they've given everything of theirs to me over the last six or seven years that we've had kids and my wife for the previous 18." Stand-out win 'will be talked about' Over his stellar career, Biggar picks out the 2013 Six Nations win over England as his highlight, a game in which Wales inflicted a record 30-3 defeat on their Grand Slam-chasing opponents and seized the championship from them in the final round of games."I've been asked this a few times over probably the last 18 months or so... 2013 when we had the (Six Nations) championship decider against England was probably the best moment for me, because I feel it's something that people will talk about that game in five, 10, 15, 20 years' time, a bit like the 2005 game where Wales won the Grand Slam," Biggar said."It was a perfect day - England coming for the Grand Slam, the roof shut, atmosphere incredible, going for the championship. I suppose everything just fell into place that day and I've heard people describe it as 'the perfect day'."Certainly from a players' perspective it couldn't have been any better really; to have played a huge part in that and been successful to have picked up a trophy at the end of it... is special." Goal-kicking and the 'Biggar boogie' Biggar made his Ospreys debut in 2008 and during an 11-year spell made 221 appearances and scored 2,203 points, making him the region's record points scorer, while he also collected more than 600 Test points, the model of a metronomic kicker."People think when you're kicking at goal and people nail big kicks, and being able to do that for large periods of their career, you always think that people don't feel nerves, or the emotion, don't feel the pressure," Biggar said."That couldn't be further from it. You're aware of the situation, the scenario, you're aware of the facts if you miss. But in that moment there (the winning penalty kick in the 2015 World Cup pool game that saw Wales beat England 28-25) I was in such a groove, such a zone where I didn't really feel like I was missing."Goal-kicking is 95% in the head, 5% is technical and for me it's always about just trying to make sure I gave myself the best chance, get as good a contact on the ball as possible and try and take the situation out of it - whether you're 30 points up or it's a kick to win the game, you want to try and hit the ball the same either way."I've always tried to do that, sometimes it's worked. Thankfully in 2015 it worked very well, and that's one of the best ones (memories) as well to be fair to go with 2013."As well as his accuracy with the boot, Biggar was noted for what became his trademark fidgety pre-kick routine that some have dubbed 'the Biggar boogie'."I was kind of thrust into the limelight being Wales' frontline kicker in that (2015 World Cup) tournament and we'd just been to Qatar for a training camp in July, which was rather hot and sweaty and uncomfortable," explained Biggar."So I kind of just felt myself a little more fidgety and aware of all the sweat and the heat and things like that, and it just transformed back into London and Cardiff. I didn't realise I was doing that until I came back into the team room on Monday morning and the boys were just chucking all the videos onto YouTube."I'm just so glad I was able to be successful doing that, because if I'd missed four or five from seven and did that I think I'd have taken a fair bit more stick as well."
Reuters
07-04-2025
- Sport
- Reuters
Former Wales captain Biggar to retire at end of season
LONDON, April 7 (Reuters) - Former Wales and British & Irish Lions flyhalf Dan Biggar has announced he will retire at the end of the season, bringing down the curtain on an 18-year playing career. The 35-year-old earned his first Wales cap in 2008 and went on to make 112 appearances for his country, racking up more than 600 points and winning three Six Nations titles including a Grand Slam. Biggar, who went on two Lions tours, is currently playing for French club Toulon who he joined in 2022. "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'," Biggar said on social media. "Rugby has given me everything. I threw myself into this game at 17 and it's given me a life that 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."
