Wales skipper Dan Biggar a late withdrawal for Northampton

Wales skipper Dan Biggar was a late withdrawal from the Northampton team on Saturday for their round two Gallagher Premiership game at home to London Irish. Having led his country on their July tour to South Africa, the out-half was named on Friday in the Saints XV for their home match versus the Exiles after he had missed last Sunday’s opening round defeat at Sale.

Northampton had been looking forward to getting Biggar back in harness, their original team media release reading: “Saints will be led out by Dan Biggar for the first time this Saturday, as the Wales fly-half captains the side when London Irish head to cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens for the Gallagher Premiership clash.

“Captain Biggar lines up alongside Alex Mitchell in the half-back berths for the clash with the Exiles, while Scotland international Rory Hutchinson returns to the side to partner Matt Proctor in the midfield.”

Biggar was named Saints captain as Lewis Ludlam is still undergoing his rest period following his summer tour of Australia with England.

However, the prospect of Biggar skippering his club at home under new director of rugby Phil Dowson was scuppered shortly before kick-off on Saturday when his place in the team was given to James Grayson, with George Furbank taking over the captaincy.

“Dan Biggar (illness) has been ruled out of Northampton Saints’ Gallagher Premiership clash with London Irish this afternoon,” read a media release shortly before the scheduled 2pm start. “The fly-half is replaced for the men in black, green and gold by James Grayson, who will wear No10. Full-back George Furbank will take over the captaincy of the side.”

The soon-to-be 33-year-old Biggar started all the matches on the Wales tour of South Africa, a series that finished 2-1 in favour of the Springboks after they won the deciding third Test in Cape Town on July 16.