**Premiership Team Makes Move for Biggar and Wales Coach Forshaw Attracts Interest from Leicester**
Thursday brought a flurry of developments from the rugby world, with news emerging that English Premiership side Newcastle Falcons made enquiries regarding the availability of legendary Welsh fly-half Dan Biggar. Meanwhile, Leicester Tigers are eyeing a prominent outgoing coach from the Wales setup, signalling a period of change both domestically and abroad as teams prepare for the next chapter ahead of the new season. Here’s a look at the morning headlines shaping rugby in the UK and beyond.
The speculation around Dan Biggar began when it came to light he would not extend his contract with Toulon, raising questions about the future for the 112-cap Wales international. Despite previously announcing plans to retire once his French club contract expired, reports from the Daily Mail suggest Steve Diamond, Newcastle’s director of rugby, attempted to secure Biggar’s phone number with a view to discussing a potential return to playing. Nevertheless, indications are that the 35-year-old’s resolve remains firm—he intends to stay true to his decision to step away from professional rugby.
After a stellar playing career spanning nearly two decades, Biggar seems to be preparing for a new phase away from the pitch. The former Ospreys and British & Irish Lions star has kept himself busy within the rugby sphere, contributing regular pieces for the Mail and appearing as a pundit on the Rugby Pod. Yet he has also displayed a growing interest in coaching. In recent media interviews, Biggar expressed both enthusiasm for the challenge and caution about the intense workload full-time coaching demands in the modern era. He emphasised that while consultancy or part-time roles may beckon, the comprehensive commitment of a head coach might not fit with his current priorities.
Turning to coaching movements, another significant story has developed with Leicester Tigers reportedly targeting Mike Forshaw. The Tigers’ new coach, Geoff Parling, appears keen to bring Forshaw on board as the new defence lead, following Matt Everard’s departure to join the newly formed Worcester club. Forshaw, who served as Wales’ defence coach under Warren Gatland, remained with the squad during the Six Nations as part of Matt Sherratt’s temporary coaching team. With his contract set to expire this summer and no place for him on Sherratt’s team for the forthcoming Japan tour, the highly regarded coach may be on the verge of a move to the Premiership giants.
These changes within the Welsh rugby coaching setup reflect a wider period of transition as preparations for the summer tours get underway. Amidst these updates, Welsh regional rugby also provided a boost for fans of the Dragons. Promising prop Jordan Morris, once a standout for Pontypool Schools and a product of Croesyceiliog RFC, has signed a new deal to continue his development with the region. Morris, 21, has had a frustrating season curtailed by injury but remains a player of considerable promise, having impressed under-20s coaches previously and broken try-scoring records at youth level.
Dragons Academy Manager Lewis Roberts praised Morris’ recovery and commitment, predicting a bright future as he rejoins a cohort of up-and-coming academy stars now tied to terms for the 2025/26 campaign. Forward coach Sam Hobbs commended Morris’ blend of athleticism and power, calling him an exceptional prospect within the front five and a player who could soon feature heavily at senior level.
Meanwhile, Ireland announced a largely experimental squad for their upcoming summer tour of Georgia and Portugal. In a significant change at the helm, Munster scrum-half Craig Casey has been appointed captain, becoming the 112th player to lead Ireland. Casey steps into the role in the absence of Caelan Doris, who had been considered for British and Irish Lions captaincy but was ruled out due to injury.
Interim coach Paul O’Connell has assembled a squad featuring no fewer than 11 uncapped players alongside experienced campaigners, setting the stage for a crucial test against sides who have made rapid progress at international level. O’Connell highlighted the blending of young and seasoned talent as central to his approach and spoke highly of the challenge posed by both Georgia and Portugal.
As next month’s fixtures draw closer, the period leading into the summer promises further intrigue as squads solidify, coaching changes play out, and fresh talent emerges on the professional stage. With retirements, coaching appointments and development contracts coming to the fore, rugby supporters can expect plenty more movement across the coming weeks and months.