Friday 4 December 2015 17:20, UK
Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar has signed a national dual contract (NDC) extension, committing himself to his region and Wales for the next four years.
The deal will keep Biggar in Wales through the 2019 World Cup with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) paying 60 per cent of his wages and the Ospreys the rest.
The 26-year-old only signed his initial national dual contract in March 2015 but his outstanding displays during the Rugby World Cup have prompted the WRU to tie him down to a long-term contract.
Welsh Rugby Union group chief executive Martyn Phillips said: "We are delighted Dan has committed his future to the Ospreys and will be remaining in Wales.
"It is another landmark moment for national dual contracts in Wales as Dan becomes the first player to re-sign a deal and it is evidence of our close working relationship with the region to ensure our top players remain in Wales."
The news will come as a big boost to Wales head coach Warren Gatland, who can now rest assured that his first-choice fly-half will be based within the country for the duration of his time in charge.
Biggar was happy to finally sign the deal and hopes more of his international team-mates follow his example and commit their futures to the Welsh regions.
"It's taken a little while to get to the point where everyone is happy with the deal, but I'm glad to have the next couple of years sorted and I can continue to play for Wales and, week in, week out, for the Ospreys," Biggar said.
"Hopefully others will follow suit and we can continue to grow a strong player base in Wales."
Wales centre Jonathan Davies became the 17th player to sign an NDC last month when he returned home to play for Scarlets after a spell with French Top 14 side Clermont Auvergne.
