Lions stand-off Biggar snubs much-improved Welsh deal and will make switch

Wales stand-off Dan Biggar says he feels “hugely privileged” to be joining Aviva Premiership club Northampton.

Saints announced that Biggar, 27, will move to Franklin’s Gardens from the Ospreys next summer. He is currently on a national dual contract funded by the Ospreys and the Welsh Rugby Union.

In a joint statement, Biggar’s regional team and the WRU said he had declined an option to extend the deal “under significantly improved terms”.

When Biggar moves, his Wales prospects will hinge on him securing one of four wildcards available to head coach Warren Gatland next season, under the WRU’S senior selection policy for players based outside Wales. That figure drops to just two wildcards in 2019-20 – a World Cup season.

Biggar, pictured, who has won 56 caps and toured New Zealand with the British and Irish Lions this summer, follows Wales team-mate George North to Northampton.

“I am hugely privileged to sign for a club with the history and tradition of Saints,” said Biggar. “It is extremely exciting to start a new chapter of my career with a club that shares my ambition to win trophies. I have to say a massive thank you to the coaches and board for the confidence put in me.

“Playing in a town and surrounding area which has a massive passion for rugby was a huge attraction.

“I would like to thank everyone at the Ospreys and the Welsh Rugby Union who has supported and helped me throughout my career, and an extra special thank you to the fans who have helped and supported me through highs and lows.

“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 hailed Biggar’s signing, adding: “We are delighted to have secured the signature of such a highly-rated player. “Dan has shown his excellence year in, year out, for both the Ospreys and Wales, and he performed really well for the Lions.

“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, and we are looking forward to welcoming him here next summer.”

Biggar, who made his Test debut in 2008, has scored 295 points for Wales, putting him sixth on their all-time list.

The Ospreys and WRU, meanwhile, said: “Dan Biggar has informed his employers of his intention to leave Welsh rugby to join Northampton Saints next season.

“Biggar is under national dual contract with the Ospreys and Welsh Rugby Union for