Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards has admitted that he was "amazed" Dan Biggar was not selected for the British and Irish Lions tour this summer.
The 23-year-old has been in top form for Ospreys this season and was one of the stars of his country's Six Nations defence earlier this year.
However, Biggar was not included in Warren Gatland's 37-man party for the trip to Australia, much to the disbelief of Edwards.
"I've mentioned it to a couple of people that the media haven't mentioned Dan's name as often as he deserved to be mentioned," Edwards told the South Wales Evening Post. "But that's not my job. It's a decision for the Lions. I just didn't read his name, but I think he's developed massively.
"From where he was 12 months ago to where he is now just shows how important experience is. A couple of things went wrong against Ireland at the start of the championship, but Rob Howley stuck with him through the Six Nations and he repaid us massively.
"He was outstanding and as the tournament went on he became more and more assured. He's always been a very intelligent player who understands tactics, but he just led the team so well and the last game, against England, was pretty special. It's down to maturity, confidence and experience."
Biggar was the only member of the Wales starting XV that faced England in the Six Nations finale not to earn Lions selection.