Biggar gets ready to lay down law

DAN BIGGAR has revealed the secret of his amazing Six Nations recovery: 900 minutes in an oxygen chamber and every element of US law you can imagine.

The 28-year-old Wales outside-half was expected to miss the first three rounds of the tournament after suffering a shoulder injury playing for Ospreys against Clermont Auvergne last month.

But he is back to start Saturday’s crucial Celtic clash with Ireland in Dublin thanks to the cutting-edge injury treatment.

Biggar had 10 90-minute sessions in the chamber to speed up his recovery and passed the time by watching series seven of the American legal mini-series Suits.

“I couldn’t have done any more to making sure I was ready,” said Biggar.

“Fingers crossed everything goes well this week and on the weekend. My iPad was fully stacked with things to watch. It was monotonous day-in, day-out – but it was for the greater cause.

“Even if it gave one per cent extra in terms of recovery it was worth it. Basically, you just sit there, you have a mask on and not much goes on in there.”

The pressurised chamber sends more oxygen to injured areas to reduce swelling and pain, while killing bacteria to prevent infection.

Biggar was able to binge on his favourite box-sets while the machine worked its magic to repair the tissue around the area damaged by Clermont powerhouse Fritz Lee.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland has seen enough to include his No10 general from the start to setup a mouthwatering battle against his Lions team-mate Johnny Sexton.

“I may drop Johnny a line before the game,” said Biggar. “But hopefully we’ll have a good catch-up on Saturday – after I’ve finished on the winning side. He’s an absolutely fantastic player. He is a vital cog, along with Conor Murray, so we know we are up against two of the best in the business.”

Biggar is one of three Lions who return to the Wales starting XV alongside Leigh Halfpenny, at full-back, and Liam Williams on the wing.

But Ireland will be missing one of their own in front-row linchpin Tadhg Furlong, who has not recovered from a hamstring injury. Andrew Porter is set to fill the void.

Biggar added: “Any Six Nations match is special but when you play a top team like Ireland away, it’s like a cup final for us.

“We have a very good record in Dublin under Gats but it’s going to be a huge challenge.

“If you lose it’s going to be very difficult to finish on top in the tournament – but if you win, you’ve home games to come against Italy and France and you have set yourself up incredibly well. That’s the biggest carrot for us.”

I couldn’t have done any more