Huw Phillips

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Huw Phillips - Welsh rugby union player, born 28th February 1971, predominantly a back row forward who came to prominence as the first junior player to score 40 tries in a regular season in 1987 whilst a member of the Dunvant u-16Ss side. Prior to this at the tender age of 11 he became the first overseas player to be invited to represent the French presidents XV.

He became the youngest player ever to represent senior Welsh club side Gowerton at the age of 15 years against touring French side US Melun. Phillips represented Llwchr district,Welsh Crawshays, Welsh Exiles and most famously West Glamorgan, with whom he won the Welsh Championship against Gwent schools in 1988.

Despite domestic interest Phillips joined crack English outfit Harlequin FC in 1989 which led to more recognition. After a highly successful first season Phillips was rewarded with a place in the Welsh U-21s side and enjoyed a commanding first cap experience against Ireland in 1991.

Best remembered for incredible pace and attacking instinct and an ability to perform the improbable Huw Phillips was at one stage a firm favourite to become a star performer at international level. With this in mind he secured a two year deal with London Welsh but before this period was out he would join Richmond in what was to be his last year at the highest level. Always a player more at home in a match than on a training pitch, the distance from home and probably from stabilising influences took its toll. London life ensured that performance on the field would become more of a struggle than in previous years.

The arrival of professional rugby ushered in a period of incredible improvement in player fitness, nutrition, diet and exercise yet once again failure to move with the times proved damaging to Phillips. Finally after leaving Richmond Phillips played at a lower level until a freak accident left him with a shattered leg.

Intensive Physiotherapy could not improve the damage sufficiently and Phillips bowed out of rugby. He later made a social return to the game with Western Counties Side Withycombe but would never again perform as he once did.

A player often thought of as very talented but ultimately flawed.