91Èȱ¬

Wales fly-half Dan Biggar has "matured" considerably as a player and a person, according to Welsh Rugby Union chairman Gareth Davies.

Ospreys' Biggar, 25, is one of four players to have signed WRU dual contracts.

Former Wales fly-half Davies says Biggar is now a key figure in the national squad.

"He's been quite instrumental in the Welsh success this year," Davies told 91Èȱ¬ Wales Sport.

"I think he's really got things together now and he's had a tremendous last six, nine months or so and has cemented himself as the Wales number 10.

"There were perhaps some aspects of his game which were too animated on occasions and irritated some folk.

"I think he's got things together now. He has developed and he's matured, I think, both as a player and as an individual.

"He's quietly confident I suspect that he's got the number 10 shirt in his grasp and that's reflected in the quality of his play."

He has started all four of Wales' games in this year's Six Nations and will again start at outside half against Italy in Rome on Saturday.

Biggar, Ospreys team-mate Alun Wyn Jones, Scarlets centre Scott Williams and Gareth Anscombe of Cardiff Blues are the latest players to sign dual contracts.

It means there are now 12 players on the contracts which are funded 60% by the WRU and 40% by the regions.

Davies says securing more leading players to Welsh rugby is a significant boost following the flow of high-profile players to French and English clubs in recent years.

"We've now got a dozen or so leading players and promising players as well who have committed themselves for the next few years to Welsh rugby," Davies added.

"It's a good statement and it stops what has been the recent haemorrhage of players to England and to France."