No citing for Biggar after win over Wasps

DAN Biggar looks set to start the British and Irish Lions’ pre-tour match against Japan later this month after escaping disciplinary action following Northampton’s victory over Wasps on the weekend.

The 31-year-old appeared in danger of being cited after an incident late in the game, which saw the Wales fly-half try to clear opposite number Jacob Umaga out of a breakdown, only for his arm to make clear contact with the younger playmaker’s head.

Wasps were infuriated by the lack of action from the match officials at the time.

However, it’s been confirmed that there will be no citings from last weekend’s Premiership action – meaning Biggar will be free to finish the season with Northampton and be involved in the Lions’ tour opener in Edinburgh.

The official reason for Biggar not being cited is that the offence was deemed not to meet the criteria of a red card.

That will come as good news for Biggar, who is the leading candidate to start in the Test series for Warren Gatland’s Lions against South Africa.

With both fly-half rivals Finn Russell and Owen Farrell highly unlikely to be involved with the majority of the two-week Jersey training camp from July 14 due to club commitments, the importance of Biggar being available for the June 26 clash against Japan for Gatland’s own plans cannot be understated.

Russell’s Racing 92 side are aiming to reach the Top 14 final which takes place on June 25, with the semis taking place on the weekend of July 20.

Farrell will also be involved in Saracens’ two-legged Championship play-off match, the second of which is on June 19.

Meanwhile, Ireland head coach Andy Farrell is poised to link up with the Lions ahead of the Test series in South Africa later this summer.

Head coach Gatland set tongues wagging at the press conferences to announce his coaching in April when he raised the prospect of adding another later down the track.

The Irish Times say that man will be Farrell, who worked as Gatland’s defence coach on the 2013 and 2017 Lions trips.

Farrell had initially ruled himself out of a place on the 2021 staff, opting to prioritise Ireland’s three-match summer tour.

However, they will now only play two matches due to a covidenforced rethink, meaning his work with Ireland is done by July 10.

This now gives Farrell time to link up with the squad two games – against South Africa ‘A’ and the Stormers – before the Test series begins.