Gareth Thomas was scrapped as pundit with Welsh replacement confirmed
Yesterday at 02:59 PM
Former Wales fly-half Dan Biggar took on a prominent role in ITV's coverage of the 2024 Guinness Six Nations, stepping into the shoes of rugby legend Gareth Thomas.
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Biggar, who retired from international rugby following last year's World Cup, is expected to become a regular face on the broadcaster's punditry team for future tournaments.
Currently playing for Toulon in France, Biggar brings a wealth of experience and insight from his distinguished playing career as he prepares to join the Six Nations coverage when the tournament kicks off next month.
The announcement follows the news that Sir Clive Woodward has stepped down from his punditry role after nearly a decade with ITV. Speaking to The Times, the former England head coach said he “wanted to go out on a high” after the World Cup.
Gareth Thomas, who was part of ITV's World Cup coverage in France, will also not feature in their Six Nations line-up and is unlikely to return in the near future.
Thomas’ involvement in the World Cup coverage had been questioned by ex-England fly-half Andy Goode. Earlier this year, the former Wales captain settled a legal dispute with an ex-partner who accused him of "deceptively" transmitting HIV. Thomas paid £75,000 plus costs but did not admit liability.
During the Wales game during the World Cup Goode took to Twitter, writing: “It's actually immoral that Gareth Thomas is on our TV screens, imagine a straight man doing what he did, they wouldn't get another TV gig ever.”
The response to Goode’s tweet, which received over 1,000 likes was mixed. One fan wrote: “Now now pal. Not the time or place for this.”
Another tweeted: “Someone’s had a couple of beers.”
A third said: “You’re entitled to your opinion. This isn’t the place to voice it”
“Stick to the rugby Andy that’s a discussion for another day,” commented a fourth.
ITV will show 10 matches from the competition in 2025, sharing the rights with the BBC.
NIGEL OWENS DREAM XV:
Fullback: Israel Folau (Australia), replaced by Leigh Halfpenny (Wales)
Owens said: “For me, it's nip and tuck between Halfpenny and Folau, next to nothing to choose between them. Leigh is brilliant because under the high ball and with his kicking at goal under pressure. He may not always break the line when running but puts his body on the line in defence and is a top-notch match-winner.”
Winger: Stuart Hogg (Scotland)
Owens said: “How can you fail to be impressed when watching Hogg play. He's so exciting as he burst into that line and, of course, was named Six Nations player of the tournament.
“I know he's a full-back for Scotland, but he is so quick and direct he could easily play on the wing. He reminds me a bit of Shane Williams with some of the things he does.
“When you see who is on the other wing in my team, you'll see how they would work brilliantly in tandem.”
Outside-centre: Brian O’Driscoll (Ireland)
Owens said: “Not only is he one of the greatest centres in the history of rugby union but he's a fantastic man off the field as well. O'Driscoll has been a wonderful ambassador for the sport and a real leader. He always respected referees and set the right example for others to follow.
“A legend of the game who conducted himself superbly, on and off the pitch.”
Inside-centre: Ma’a Nonu (New Zealand), replaced by Owen Farrell (England)
Owens praised Farrell as a player on numerous occasions.
On one occasion he wrote:“I can only speak from my own experience of refereeing him and, when I did, he was an excellent captain to deal with.
“I have a huge amount of respect for him as a player and a person. He always knew where the line was with me.
“I would say to him that he could always come and talk to me as long as it was at the right time and in the right tone and he always did that.”
Winger: Shane Williams (Wales)
Owens said: “When people ask me who is the best player I have refereed it's pretty much an impossible task to pick one because I've been lucky enough to take charge of so many greats.
“But if I'm pushed, I would pick Shane for what he achieved after coming from football at 17 or 18 years of age.
“He was in the mould of Gerald Davies in how he left defenders gasping for air as he beat them with those dazzling sidesteps. Nobody would fancy defending against a back three of Shane, Hogg and Folau, I can tell you that.”
Fly-half: Dan Carter (New Zealand), replaced by Dan Biggar (Wales)
Owens said: “He's so focused and so passionate about what he's doing, we've had a few run ins on the pitch down the years.
"I mean, it's always been in a respectful way as we always have a drink and a laugh after the game."
Scrum-half: Agustin Pichot (Argentina), replaced by Dwayne Peel (Wales)
Owens said: “I used to love watching Dwayne Peel in his prime as a scrum-half for those few years between 2004-06 with Wales, the Lions and Llanelli. Talented, a great guy, he also has a house just up the road from me!”
Loosehead-prop: Gethin Jenkins (Wales)
Owens said: “He rarely smiles but has been a terrific player at loose-head prop. When I've penalised him and he's smiled, I know I'd got the decision right!
“But, suffice to say, he hasn't smiled often when I've refereed him. Another who has stood the test of time, which speaks volumes about his ability and character.”
Hooker: John Smit (South Africa), replaced by Rory Best (Ireland)
Tighthead-prop:Phil Vickery (England)
Owens said: “I always had a lot of time for him, found him a decent man, a good player to referee. He wasn't one of those who would whinge at decisions, he would accept the call and get on with it.
“As a player, at his peak with Wasps during their European runs and with England in 2007, he was a formidable force.
“Just about edges out Carl Hayman, another great player and a pretty honest one as well. When he got it wrong and I penalised him, he would accept it.”
Lock: Alun Wyn Jones (Wales)
Owens said: “A man of few words, he does his talking on the field with his actions. Not only is he a brilliant player and a very good captain but I don't think I have reffed a match where he hasn't given absolutely everything.”
Lock: Paul O’Connell (Ireland)
Owens said: “Quite simply he was just an exceptional leader. I have been in charge of games where he pretty much carried his team, whether it was Munster or Ireland, almost on his back and onto victory.”
Blindside-flanker: Thierry Dusautoir (France)
Owens said: “My choice as the best skipper I encountered may raise a few eyebrows, but what a captain Dusautoir was. He unfailingly put his body on the line throughout his career — recall the 38 tackles he made when France knocked the All Blacks out of the 2007 World Cup — led by example and understood the game very well.
“Also, he was exemplary in the way he conducted himself.
“There were never any complaints from him over refereeing, not even when borderline decisions went against France. When his team were crushed 62-13 by New Zealand during the 2015 World Cup, he wasn't tempted to blame anyone.
“He acted as a true leader should act.”
Openside-flanker: Chris Robshaw (England), replaced Richie McCaw (New Zealand)
Owens included Chris Robshaw on his list of best captains.
Known for his exceptional work rate and leadership skills, Robshaw was a dynamic flanker who made a significant impact on the field. He enjoyed a successful club career with Harlequins, where he played for over a decade. Robshaw’s dedication and commitment to the sport earned him numerous accolades and the respect of his peers.
Owens said: “Some people will be surprised at this one to start off. His misfortune was perhaps to be leading England during a difficult time, but he always gave everything for the cause, encouraging others to follow suit, and he was a nice guy off the pitch.”
Number 8: Sergio Parisse (Italy)
Owens said: “I've been fortunate to have refereed some tremendous No.8s during my career but Sergio is tops. He's such a talented player and rarely has a bad game.
“Maybe there's a tendency to try and do too much because he's been in an Italy or Stade Francais team which hasn't been at its best, but he's been extraordinary.”
Rugby's Top Earners: The 20 Highest-Paid Players in the Game Right Now
Who's next to break the £1 million barrier? Let the salary race begin.
- Siya Kolisi (Sharks) – £808k
- Owen Farrell (Racing 92) – £797k
- Finn Russell (Bath) – £795k
- Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – £740k
- Faf de Klerk (Yokohama Canon Eagles) – £716k
- Dan Biggar (Toulon) – £636k
- Maro Itoje (Saracens) – £636k
- Antoine Dupont (Toulouse) – £557k
- Kalyn Ponga (Newcastle Knights) – £506k
- Nathan Cleary (Penrith Panthers) – £502k
- Cameron Munster (Melbourne Storm) – £502k
- Mitchell Moses (Parrametta Eels) – £499k
- Daly Cherry-Evans (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles) – £497k
- Tino Fa'asuamaleaui (Gold Coast Titans) – £497k
- Payne Haas (Brisbane Broncos) – £497k
- Steve Luatua (Bristol Bears) – £493k
- Nicholas Hynes (Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks) – £492k
- James Tedesco (Sydney Roosters) – £492k
- Tom Trbojevic – (Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles) – £492k
- Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – £485k
Editors Picks:
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- Gabby Logan's powerhouse back-row son tipped for England call-up
- England centre Ollie Lawrence makes decision on his future
- Marcus Smith reveals dream of switching nations to play alongside his brothers
Quiz: Name these 10 retro rugby players #2
If you're over 30 and can't name these iconic rugby stars from the 2000s, we have to ask: were you really paying attention? Back by popular demand, it's time for part two of our nostalgic quiz.
From stunning tries to unforgettable moments—and yes, some hairstyles we'd rather forget—these players were at the heart of rugby's golden era. If the names don't come flooding back, it might be time to fire up YouTube and relive the magic.
Think you've got what it takes to ace this one? Let's find out. Good luck!
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