Wales star Dan Biggar has confirmed he is one of eight players Warren Gatland expects to depart the international stage this year as he proves a hit in Toulon after learning and speaking French.
Back in December the fly-half made a speech to fans in French after signing from Northampton Saints. The moment took place at half time in a game against Racing 92 at the Stade Mayol. And he has recently held a full press conference in near perfect French at his new side.
Biggar has followed in the footsteps of World Cup-winner Jonny Wilkinson, who took it upon himself to learn French whilst in Toulon. He went on to win a domestic and European double in his final season with the club in 2014.
Biggar has revealed he has the same language teacher as Wilkinson, who was recently added to Toulon's Hall Of Fame. He has been learning the basic requirements for every day life, like "going out for dinner, to the shops and I have to ask where to pay, where the books for the kids are."
He added: “Embrace yourself in the culture.
“The French people and players here, they’ll make fun of you a little bit if you make mistakes but underneath everything they’ll be pleased that you’re trying.”
Admitting that he was not a fan of Welsh rugby's 25-cap rule, which has recently been reduced from 60 but is still designed to stop players leaving Wales, Biggar added: “For me it’s a big part of rugby. Experiencing different cultures, leagues, languages, I think that’s really important."
You can watch a clip of Biggar speaking French below.
Biggar also confirmed he would be one of the departing eight Wales players at this year's World Cup in France. Gatland claimed that number of players could well be playing their last ever Six Nations game in the finale against Italy back in March.
“I think I’m definitely one of them,” 107-cap Biggar told AFP.
“There’s going to be a new four-year cycle after this World Cup.
“From my point of view hopefully I can show enough form and fitness to get to the World Cup here, which would be amazing."
It is not yet confirmed who the departing Wales players will be, but there are an abundance of players heading into their twilight years and the World Cup is the perfect finishing line. These players could include Alun Wyn Jones (37), Ken Owens (36), Justin Tipuric (33), Biggar (33), Leigh Halfpenny (34), Rhys Webb (34) and Alex Cuthbert (33).
The World Cup gets under way on Friday, September 8, with France taking on New Zealand. Biggar's campaign with Wales kicks off on Sunday, September 10 against Fiji. Gatland's team will go on to play Portugal, Australia and Georgia in their remaining pool fixtures.
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