Wales facing big problem
WALES will be forced to field a weakened side at the next World Cup after Dan Biggar’s decision to join Northampton next season – unless they lift ‘Gatland’s Law’.
The policy, brought in by coach Warren Gatland, restricts Wales to a trio of overseas-based players in an effort to encourage them to stay with the regions.
Biggar’s impending move from the Ospreys to the Premiership on a huge £600,000 salary will put the fly-half in direct competition with fellow Lions Taulupe Faletau, Liam Williams and George North as well as Jamie Roberts, who captained Wales on their summer tour, for the three slots.
The quintet will all be based in England, which means Wales could head to Japan in 2019 without two of their top players.
There is an exemption for players who were not the subject of offers from within Wales when they signed elsewhere but a joint statement from the WRU and the Ospreys last night made it plain how much they wanted to keep the 27-year-old, who has won 56 caps for his country.
“Dan Biggar has informed his employers of his intention to leave Welsh Rugby to join Northampton Saints next season,” read the statement.
“Biggar is under National Dual Contract with the Ospreys and Welsh Rugby Union for the remainder of the current season but has declined to take up the option to extend this deal under significantly improved terms. REPORTS While this is disappointing, as the intention is to keep our best players in Wales, there is an appreciation that on occasions market forces will make this impractical. “The high level of his contribution to Wales and the Ospreys during his career to date, and his continued professionalism in this regard, is unquestioned and all parties continue to wish him well for the future.”
Biggar, who has played 203 games for the Ospreys, was a valuable member of the Lions squad in New Zealand, despite being unable to break into the Test team.
His departure is a major loss for Welsh rugby but a boost for Northampton, who have already signed one top fly-half this season with the arrival of Piers Francis from Auckland Blues, who made his England debut on the summer tour to Argentina.
The pair are likely to face each other twice in December in the back-to-back Champions Cup games between Northampton and the Ospreys.
“I’m hugely privileged to sign for a club with the history and tradition of Northampton,” said Biggar.
“It’s extremely exciting to start a new chapter of my career with a club who share my ambition to win trophies, which is where this club belong. I have to say a massive thank you to the coaches and board for the confidence put in me and I look forward to working as hard as I ever have in my career to return the faith.
“To play for my home club was a dream come true, let alone to play as many times as I have done.
“I hope my passion for the shirt and people of this region has shone through in my performances and I would love to leave on a high note with some silverware. I also remain fully committed to Wales and achieving the best I can every time I pull on the red shirt.”
Northampton rugby director Jim Mallinder said: “We are delighted to have secured the signature of such a highly rated player. The fact that he has put pen to paper a year in advance shows that Dan has plenty of belief in where we are going as a club and our ambitions for the future.” ❑LIONS captain Sam Warburton is back in training with Cardiff Blues but is not expected to play in the Pro14 until the end of the month.
“He will be back three or four games into the season,” said Blues coach Danny Wilson. “We have to make sure we bring him back in slowly. The big picture is him recovering from the Lions and being ready for the autumn Tests.”