A Load of BS on Sport: The Behavioural Science Podcast
A Load of BS on Sport: The Behavioural Science Podcast
Dan Biggar talks pressure, performance, personality; and G&Ts with Usain Bolt
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Current time: 0:00 / Total time: -51:25
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Dan Biggar talks pressure, performance, personality; and G&Ts with Usain Bolt

Dan meets Dan

Welcome to my new co-host!

Welcome to Series 3 of A Load of BS - very much on Sport now! I am thrilled to be sat alongside Welsh Rugby Union and British Lions star Dan Biggar as my new co-host.

For the past 17 years, Dan has lived his dream on the rugby field, winning three Six Nations titles, earning over 100 caps for Wales (including the captaincy) and touring twice with the British & Irish Lions. Currently playing for RC Toulon, Dan is loving this rugby-mad town, fully embracing the French lifestyle.

British and Irish Lions: Dan Biggar to train Thursday; Finn Russell back  training after injury, says Steve Tandy | Rugby Union News | Sky Sports

Rugby is more than a sport for Dan; it’s a vocation that has shaped his understanding of leadership, resilience and teamwork. The lessons learned on the field have equipped him with insights that extend beyond the game, allowing him to help others unlock their potential in sports and business through high-performance coaching.

As a sought-after pundit, Dan’s honest analysis has enhanced his visibility on platforms like ITV Sport and Sky Sports. He is also a columnist for the Daily Mail and the author of “The Biggar Picture.” 

Dan’s wealth of experiences make him the perfect co-host for A Load of BS on Sport!

About this episode

In this opening episode, as Dan and Dan get to know each other, we explore the mental aspects of top end sports performance, including handling pressure, technical soundness, and the evolution of Dan's mindset throughout his career. Dan shares insights into handling pressure during crucial moments, such as World Cup kicks and Lions matches. Dan Biggar this is. Dan Ross kicks balls only in parks if the knees allow.

We cover thoughts on leadership strategies within teams, understanding different personalities, and adapting to various cultural contexts in rugby clubs across Dan’s career for Ospreys, Northampton to Toulon.

And Dan reflects on the impact of coaches like Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards on his career, emphasising their ability to understand individual players’ needs and motivations.

Dan shares the story of the beginning of his career - his mother’s influence and the impact Jonny Wilkinson (a future pod guest!) had on him during the 2003 World Cup and beyond.

And a cracking anecdote about drinking Gin & Tonics with Usain Bolt watching Man Utd together. Even Bolt and Biggar needed booze to manage the torpor of watching football at Old Trafford!

Next week

We are talking to one of the most respected players and coaches in world rugby - Dan B’s ex-coach, and fellow Francophile Shaun Edwards.

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Till next time,

Dan and Dan

Discussion about this podcast

A Load of BS on Sport: The Behavioural Science Podcast
A Load of BS on Sport: The Behavioural Science Podcast
A Load of BS on Sport: The Behavioural Science Podcast dives deep into the psychology of what makes elite performers tick; how they think about success and failure, how they find and maintain peak performance, how they manage fear and adversity, how they make decisions under pressure, how they deal with risk and uncertainty.