001: Dan Biggar talks pressure, performance, personality; and G&Ts with Usain Bolt

A Load of BS on Sport: The Behavioural Science Podcast with Daniel Ross and Dan Biggar

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.
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, emphasizing 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!

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• Podcast music: Tamsin Waley-Cohen's Mendelssohn's violin concerto