Wales captain Dan Biggar believes young England flyhalf Marcus Smith will be a star performer in the 2022 Six Nations.

Smith, who has won five England caps, is on track to make his Six Nations debut when Eddie Jones’ side launch their campaign against Scotland at Murrayfield next week.

The 22-year-old already has a Premiership title and British and Irish Lions tour in his career portfolio, and he is rated as English rugby’s most exciting prospect for years.

And Biggar, who was Smith’s Lions teammates in South Africa last year after Smith was summoned by head coach Warren Gatland as injury cover for Finn Russell, says the flyhalf is primed to succeed in his debut Six Nations season.

“If you look at Marcus’ 12 months, you would say that he has passed everything with flying colours,” Biggar said at a virtual Six Nations press conference.

“He has had a really good 12 months and burst on to the scene. I am sure that he will just take the tournament in his stride, same as he has with the others.

“I really enjoyed my time with Marcus in the summer. I thought he was a really good bloke and willing to learn, willing to get better. He is ridiculously talented, isn’t he?

“Whatever comes Marcus’ way, I am sure he will deal with it as he has done in the last 12 months.”