Dan Biggar has been no stranger to the big occasion during his remarkable international career.
The Swansea-born star earned the last of his 112 Wales caps in the World Cup quarter-final defeat agains Argentina, when his early try was not quite enough to help his side over the line, and he earned a further three Test caps for the British & Irish Lions.
It has been an incredible journey for a fly-half who has battled his way from third choice during the 2017 Tour of New Zealand to first-choice fly-half in 2021.
So, ahead of another landmark occasion for a British & Irish Lions legend, let’s look back at six standout moments from his career.
1. Wales debut
After making his domestic debut as an 18-year-old, Biggar quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in Wales.
He was soon selected in the Wales squad for the 2008 autumn internationals, making his debut at just 19 against Canada.
He came off the bench for the injured James Hook in the 18th minute of the Test, giving himself plenty of time to impress Warren Gatland, who was still early in his tenure as head coach.
The fly-half did not disappoint, kicking three conversions and a penalty in a 34-13 win.
2. 2015 Rugby World Cup
Biggar was one of the best fly-halves at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
Six years on from his debut, the Ospreys star had developed into a consistent and clinical operator on the international stage, taking on the kicking duties in the absence of injured full-back Leigh Halfpenny.
Biggar’s best performance at the tournament came in the 28–25 win over England, where he kicked 23 points and was named Man of the Match as Wales came from behind to claim a dramatic win that helped them through to the quarter-finals at the expense of the hosts.
However, Biggar’s tournament was also defined by kicking routine, that became a meme as it was dubbed the Biggarena, with reference to 1995 dance hit ‘The Macarena’, one of the lasting images of the tournament.
3. Lion #821
Biggar was selected for the 2017 British & Irish Lions tour to New Zealand as one of three fly-half options, registering 35 points from 5 appearances.
However, he did not feature in a Test match against the All Blacks.
Biggar put on a show in the convincing win against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
The fly-half kicked three conversions and two penalties as the Lions ran out 34-6 winners, and the Tour gave a hint as what was to follow for Biggar in a Lions jersey.
4. Fourth in Japan
Like all great players, Biggar bounced back from the adversity of being third choice in New Zealand.
He played a starring role as Wales reached the semi-finals at the Rugby World Cup in 2019.
Gatland’s side finished fourth in Japan after losing out to New Zealand in the bronze medal match.
However, Biggar enjoyed plenty of highs during the tournament, kicking the fastest drop goal in Rugby World Cup history against Australia with the referee signalling the score after 36 seconds.
Biggar was also sensational in Wales’ quarter-final win against France, helping his side to a 20-19 triumph.
5. Starring in South Africa
Having gone to New Zealand as third choice fly-half, Biggar finally got his chance to lead in a Lions shirt on the 2021 Tour to South Africa.
He started all three Tests and was also named Player of the Match in the pre-Tour match against Japan.
However, his crowning achievement on the Tour was a 14-point haul as the British & Irish Lions won the first Test 22-17.
It capped an incredible journey for Biggar, going from third choice to match-winner in the space of four years.
6. 100th international cap
Just in case his legendary status was in any doubt, Biggar won his 100th international cap against Scotland in February 2022.
In typical fashion, the fly-half kicked four out of five penalties as his side recorded a closely fought 20-17 win, with Biggar having taken over the captaincy for that campaign.
His international career may now be over but he will continue to represent Toulon, so plenty more big-game occasions could yet lie in wait for a player who has made plenty of those his own in recent times.
