Wales: Dan Biggar has relished Six Nations captaincy
Dan Biggar says he has loved taking on the role of Wales captain in the absence of Alun Wyn Jones for this year’s Six Nations.
Jones has been sidelined for over four months after suffering a shoulder injury against New Zealand in October but returns to the starting lineup against Italy this weekend.
Biggar has retained the captaincy despite the return of Jones as coach Wayne Pivac looks for continuity.
“I’ve enjoyed the responsibility of it, I really have,” Biggar said.
“I probably thought I would have to be thinking a lot more about decisions and the way I controlled myself, but it has felt quite natural.
“Sometimes there have been moments when I have wanted to lose the plot a little bit or give someone a kick up the backside or whatever.
“But I think it has helped in that aspect, making sure the next moment is the most important, as opposed to when you are not captain and you can rant and rave a bit more at the other boys.
“I have really enjoyed it, but I am fully aware that obviously when Al is back properly, that may not be the case.”
Biggar wins his 100th cap in Wales’ Six Nations finale, reaching three figures 14 years after making a Test debut against Canada in Cardiff.
At 32, he remains a pivotal part of the Wales set-up and a third World Cup appears well within his range.
“I’ve said all along that I really think that age is a number,” Biggar added.
“You don’t have a God-given right to be selected. You have got to make sure you are fit and your form is good.
“If you are 17 and you are good enough, you should be playing, same as if you are 36. If you are the best person in that position, it doesn’t matter what your age is.
“The body feels good when I am training – a little bit stiff on a day off when I am walking