Dan Biggar picks his SHOCK replacement for Warren Gatland
Yesterday at 09:33 AM
Wales legend Dan Biggar has broken his silence on who he thinks should take over from Warren Gatland – and it's a bold call.
Find your local Greene King and settle in for the 2025 Six Nations!
With 14 consecutive defeats – the worst run in Welsh rugby history – pressure is mounting on the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) to make the right move.
Matt Sherratt steps in – but who's next?
Cardiff head coach Matt Sherratt will act as interim boss for the remaining three Six Nations fixtures, but the hunt for Gatland's long-term successor is already underway.
Gatland, who previously led Wales to three Grand Slams, two World Cup semi-finals, and even the No.1 world ranking, returned for a second stint in 2022. However, things haven't gone to plan – winning just six of 26 Tests and sinking to a record-low 12th in the world rankings.
And according to Biggar, the WRU can't afford to get this appointment wrong.
Biggar's choice for Wales coach
Writing in his Mail Online column, Biggar didn't hold back – naming Ronan O'Gara as his ideal candidate.
"My opinion is that Ronan O'Gara would be the perfect man to take the coaching job," Biggar said.
But there's a catch – O'Gara isn't exactly queuing up for the role.
"He's said he's not overly interested in doing so," Biggar admitted.
The next-best option?
If O'Gara is out of the picture, Biggar believes there's another name that fits the bill – Simon Easterby.
"Simon Easterby is an appointment that would make a lot of sense," he explained.
The former Scarlets coach already knows the Welsh rugby landscape and even lives locally in the Vale of Glamorgan. But there's a major stumbling block – Easterby is currently in charge of Ireland's Six Nations campaign.
"Would he want to leave? Only he will know," Biggar added.
A bigger problem than the head coach
For Biggar, the WRU's issues go beyond just appointing a new coach – the entire Welsh rugby system needs fixing.
"It's a big, big job. If the pathway systems aren't improved, Wales could have Rassie Erasmus as head coach and things still wouldn't change," he warned.
A 'free shot' against Ireland
While the WRU weighs up their next move, Wales faces a daunting task against an in-form Ireland side this weekend.
Biggar believes the players must adopt a fearless mindset at a sold-out Principality Stadium.
"Wales have to go out and try to attack Ireland because if they just look to absorb them, they'll have no chance," he insisted.
With the pressure mounting and no clear successor in place, all eyes will be on Cardiff this weekend – and whether Sherratt's side can finally break the losing streak.
Marcus Smith is one of rugby's richest stars with huge net worth
From iconic players to unexpected names, here's the ultimate countdown of rugby's wealthiest stars.
10. Marcus Smith – £1.46 million ($2 million)
Harlequins' playmaker and marketing magnet
Marcus Smith isn't just one of England's most exciting talents—he's also a rising commercial powerhouse. While his Premiership earnings are solid, his growing net worth is boosted by lucrative sponsorship deals with brands like Charles Tyrwhitt, Castore, Land Rover, and Breitling. His marketability ensures he's a financial force both on and off the pitch.
9. Maro Itoje – £1.46 million ($2 million)
England and Saracens' towering presence
Maro Itoje matches Marcus Smith both on the pitch and in the bank. With his growing influence on and off the field, Itoje's salary mirrors his worth to Saracens and England alike.
8. Charles Piutau – £1.85 million ($2.5 million)
A marquee signing with a marquee salary
When Charles Piutau joined Bristol Bears, it wasn't just his skills that made headlines—it was his paycheck. Over five seasons, the former All Black became one of the highest-paid players in the sport.
7. Handré Pollard – £1.94 million ($2.7 million)
A Springbok with serious earning power
The lone South African in this list, Handré Pollard made waves when he left the Bulls for Montpellier. Now at Leicester Tigers, reports suggest Pollard's earnings hit around R15 million per season.
6. Ilona Maher – £3 million
A trailblazer on and off the pitch
Ilona Maher's influence goes far beyond rugby. The USA sevens star has carved out a lucrative career through sponsorships, social media, and a growing brand that makes her one of the sport's most marketable athletes.
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