Dan Biggar: Wales' retiring fly-half predicts bright future after World Cup exit
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'I haven't done too bad over 15 years' - Biggar
Retiring fly-half Dan Biggar feels Wales' future is bright after his Test career ended following an agonising World Cup exit.
Biggar bowed out in Marseille as hopes of reaching a third World Cup semi-final in the last four tournaments were ended by Argentina.
Quarter-final qualification occurred after Wales won one Six Nations game.
"If you had offered us this five months ago, we would have snapped your hand off," said Biggar.
Argentina ensured no there was no fairy-tale finish for Biggar, posting a 29-17 victory that took them to Paris and a semi-final appointment with New Zealand on Friday.
Biggar remains enthused by the squad he leaves behind, with head coach Warren Gatland having already started an impressive transformation process following last season's Six Nations misery.
Wales only avoided the wooden spoon by beating Italy in Rome, as their campaign played out against a backdrop of contractual and financial uncertainty in Welsh professional rugby that almost led to a players' strike prior to facing England in Cardiff.
Fly-half Dan Biggar marked his final game in a Wales shirt with a try in the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final loss to Argentina
In contrast, Wales enjoyed an unbeaten march through their World Cup pool which included a record 40-6 win against Australia and 19 match points collected from a possible 20.
Biggar admits there will also be regrets about losing to the Pumas in a last-eight encounter they could have won but insists it has been a positive tournament.
"It shows how far we've come in that time we're all totally gutted at going out, especially as we had a great chance of making another semi-final," said Biggar, who turns 34 on Monday.
"I think deep down we all feel we were a little bit better here than just quarter-finalists.
"We'd all love to have the last 45 minutes of this game again, because I'm sure there would be a different outcome.
"Looking at it from a broader perspective, from the point we were at after the Six Nations, we've stepped up. And I've got no doubt this squad is going to do good things in the future.
"There's tons of energy and passion in this group, and they've got a great coaching team behind them.
"They will flourish in the environment Warren Gatland has created, so the future is bright for Welsh rugby."
'Sam will be the man'
With Biggar's retirement and the absence of Gareth Anscombe, who is unavailable because of his club commitments in Japan, Sam Costelow seems set to fill the number 10 jersey for the 2024 Six Nations.
Costelow, 22, was reminded of the harsh realities of international rugby on Saturday when his pass was intercepted by Nicolas Sanchez, who sprinted away to score and clinch victory for Argentina.
Jac Morgan consoles Sam Costelow (right) after Wales' World Cup quarter-final defeat against Argentina
"I sat Sam down and told him to forget what just happened and to make this team his own going forward," said Biggar.
"I told him my time is over - this is your time, so make it count. I'm sure he will because he's a huge talent, with a bit of genuine X factor about him.
"He can develop into a real leader, and I'm excited about what the future holds for him.
"I have got no doubt they will achieve some good things if they keep the squad together and allow boys like Sam some time in that 10 seat, and allow him to drive it and make it his team."
The tournament also saw further progression for players such as squad co-captains Jac Morgan and Dewi Lake, Exeter forwards Dafydd Jenkins and Christ Tshiunza, and Gloucester wing Louis Rees-Zammit.
"This young group have driven standards and pushed us to keep going," said Biggar.
"A strong core of players will have learned so much from this experience, and they will know that they have got the talent to rub shoulders with the best of the best."
Gatland is in the early phase of a five-year contract during a second stint as Wales boss, although that will be assessed after this World Cup.
Attention will soon turn to next year's Six Nations, while Wales also have a fixture against the Barbarians on 4 November.
Japan-bound full-back Liam Williams is also unavailable for the Six Nations, and it remains to be seen if any players follow Biggar into international retirement.
Emotional ending
Wales fly-half Dan Biggar was joined by his children on the pitch after the Rugby World Cup 2023 quarter-final loss to Argentina
Biggar won 112 caps during a 15-year career at the top and will continue to play club rugby for Toulon in France.
He also scored more than 600 points for Wales and was the team's tactical controller and spiritual heartbeat.
"Hopefully people will remember me for being passionate and caring about every moment," said Biggar.
"I didn't think I would be particularly emotional - I almost thought I would be relieved - but there is definitely a bit of sadness.
"I am definitely going to miss it in the months and years to come.
"I think it will be raw for a couple of days, maybe a couple of weeks, but when I reflect back on my career hopefully I will be fairly pleased with what I have done."
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