Dan Biggar to retire at season’s end after stellar career with Wales, Lions, Ospreys and Toulon.

Dan Biggar, one of Welsh rugby’s most enduring and passionate figures, will retire from professional rugby at the end of the current season, drawing the curtain on an illustrious 18-year career that spanned club, country and the British and Irish Lions.

The 35-year-old fly-half, who currently plays for French side Toulon, made the announcement via social media on Monday, saying: “There comes a point where you just know… I’ve lived out my childhood dreams for the best part of two decades and I’m so, so grateful for that.”

Biggar’s journey from Gorseinon RFC and Gowerton Comprehensive to rugby stardom saw him earn 112 caps for Wales, score over 600 points, and become a central figure in three Six Nations title wins—including a Grand Slam in 2019. He wore the Welsh number 10 shirt with trademark grit and intensity, later captaining the side during Wayne Pivac’s reign.

He also featured on two British and Irish Lions tours, making three Test appearances in South Africa in 2021. “Becoming a Lion and reaching 100 caps were special moments,” he said, “but what I’m most proud of is being able to give my family opportunities in life.”

Biggar made his senior debut for the Ospreys in 2008, amassing 221 appearances and a staggering 2,203 points—still a club record. He helped the region clinch two Pro12 titles and paid tribute to former coach Sean Holley, who gave him his break: “A special mention to Sean, who took a chance on a cocky 17-year-old.”

In 2018, he made the switch to Northampton Saints, notching up 69 appearances and lifting the Premiership Rugby Cup before joining Toulon in 2022. Though his final season hasn’t gone entirely to plan, he helped the French giants win the European Challenge Cup in 2023 and said recent struggles had taught him more than his triumphs.

Reflecting emotionally on his journey, Biggar reserved touching words for his late mother: “Everything I’ve done over the last 18 years is because of her.” He also thanked his wife Alex and their two sons, saying, “You were always there to pick me up. I’m very lucky.”

Despite the natural highs and lows of an international rugby career, Biggar’s legacy will be one of consistency, competitive fire, and deep loyalty to his country. He admitted that wearing the fabled number 10 shirt “hasn’t always been plain sailing,” but that the challenges shaped him both on and off the pitch.

Choosing to bow out on his own terms, Biggar said he felt fortunate to retire while healthy. “There’s no perfect moment, but this feels like the right one. Rugby will always be a part of me, but now it’s time to give something back to my family and see what challenges come next.”

His farewell message ended in three languages, perfectly capturing the breadth of his career and the fans he touched across nations: “Thank you, diolch, merci.”

Biggar leaves behind a legacy few Welsh players can match—rugged in defence, fearless under the high ball, precise off the tee, and above all, a man who gave his all for the jersey. His departure will mark the end of an era for Welsh rugby.