**Dan Biggar’s Emotional Farewell Flooded With Tributes, While Lions Squad Selection Sparks Debate**
The world of rugby was abuzz this evening as fans, players, and pundits came together to reflect on a day filled with major announcements, emotional farewells, and intense debate in the build-up to a summer of international action.
At the centre of attention was former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar, who has drawn a close to a storied rugby career spanning 15 years at the top level. The 35-year-old, long regarded as one of the finest No. 10s in the game, confirmed via social media that he has officially played his final professional match, prompting a deluge of heartfelt messages from former teammates and rugby greats around the globe.
Biggar, having previously revealed his intention to retire at the close of the season, donned the Toulon colours one last time before their Top 14 play-off exit to Bordeaux-Begles marked his competitive swansong. Taking to Instagram, Biggar posted a poignant image of himself gazing out over the empty stands of Toulon’s Stade Mayol, captioned simply: “Full-time. Grateful for every moment and ready for what’s next.”
The gesture sparked an outpouring from rugby luminaries on both sides of the Channel and beyond. Sam Davies, a fellow Welsh fly-half playing in France, paid tribute to his mentor status, while Wales winger Josh Adams lauded Biggar’s enduring influence on the national side. Other figures such as South Africa’s Bryan Habana and France-based stars described him as a “legend”, underlining the profound respect he commands across the rugby community.
Biggar’s own reflections on his career—spanning 112 Wales caps, three Six Nations titles, and pivotal roles at World Cups—emphasised his pride at representing his country and his excitement to see a new generation of playmakers take up the mantle. With a move into the media set for the near future, fans will no doubt be keen to hear his insights from the pundit’s chair.
However, the day’s headlines were not solely celebratory. Controversy has arisen around the British & Irish Lions squad selection for their highly anticipated tour, particularly around the inclusion of players who qualified through residency or ancestry rather than birth. This has prompted figures such as Australia’s Joe Schmidt, and former Lion Willie John McBride, to express their discomfort with the trend.
Eight out of the 38-strong squad hail originally from southern hemisphere nations yet now play their trade in Scotland, Ireland, or England after naturalisation. Notably, Ireland’s Bundee Aki and Jamison Gibson-Park, and Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe, are among those whose eligibility has been publicly debated.
Addressing the controversy, Scotland’s Finn Russell defended his teammates’ right to pull on the hallowed red jersey, stating that their selection was fully deserved. “Everyone has their different background and different path into rugby and where we are now. These boys definitely deserve their spot in the team,” Russell told the BBC, seeking to put the issue to bed in the build-up to the tour.
Elsewhere, the Scarlets’ Marnus van der Merwe has been selected for the Springboks squad for their upcoming fixture against the Barbarians in Cape Town. While the match is uncapped, it represents a dream come true for van der Merwe, who credited his time in Wales for helping him reach this milestone. He is one of four new faces aiming to impress Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus amidst a blend of fresh talent and established stars.
Meanwhile, anticipation is rising for the Barbarians’ blockbuster clash with South Africa, as legendary coach Robbie Deans unveiled a squad bursting with Test experience. A strong New Zealand contingent features alongside Ireland’s centurions and notable names from England, France, Uruguay, and Samoa, promising a classic feast of attacking rugby this weekend at the DHL Stadium.
As Biggar bids farewell and international squads put the final touches to their summer plans, these developments underline both the emotional highs and complex questions facing rugby in 2025. The coming months look set to provide drama, debate, and inspiration in equal measure, as a sport in transition navigates both its celebrated past and contentious present.