Mike Phillips (rugby player)

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Mike Phillips
Full name	Michael Phillips
Date of birth	August 29, 1982 (age 24)
Place of birth	Carmarthen, Wales
Height	1.93 m
Weight	93 kg
Rugby union career
Position	Scrum-half
Professional clubs
	Camarthen RFC
correct as of .
Provincial/State sides		Caps	(points)
2002-2005 2005-present	Llanelli Scarlets Cardiff Blues	? 45	? (25)
correct as of 19 Dece 2006.
National team(s)
2003-present	Wales	14	(10)
correct as of 19 Dec 2006.

Michael Phillips (born 29 August 1982 in Carmarthen) is a rugby union footballer who plays scrum-half for Cardiff Blues and has represented Wales.

Contents 1 Biography 1.1 Llanelli Scarlets 1.2 Cardiff Blues 1.3 International 2 References 3 External links

[edit] Biography

Phillips started his career at local club Carmarthen RFC as both a blind and open side flanker. He later transfered to being scrum half, and at 6 foot 4 inches tall (1.93m/193cm)^[1] and also weighs 14st 9lbs (89Kg/196pound); is the tallest scrum half in rugby history.

Being tall and powerful, unusual properties in a scrum half, he also has a combative style to his game. Because of this combination, has been compared to ex-Wales International Terry Holmes^[2].

[edit] Llanelli Scarlets

Phillips made his first appearance for the Scarlets at aged 20, and remained there^[3] in spite of restrictions in first team apperances due to the performances of Dwayne Peel^[4], until the summer of 2005^[5].

[edit] Cardiff Blues

Citing his lack of first team apperances as the main reason^[6][7], in 2005 Phillips signed for the Cardiff Blues^[8] starting most matches, partnering fellow former Welsh Under21 palyer Nicky Robinson.

In February 2007, Phillips was linked with a move to Neath Swansea Ospreys, on a basic wage of £180,000 as Cardiff Blues would not break their wage structure^[9][10].

[edit] International

Phillips represented Wales at Under 21 where he played with fellow Cardiff player Nicky Robinson. Making his Wales debut against Romania in 2003 where he scored a try^[11][12]. Phillips toured to Argentina^[13] and South Africa on the 2004 tour, and scored during the 2005 tour of USA^[14] and Canada^[15].

His performances for the Blues saw him get into the Wales squad for the 2006 6 Nations, despite having a poor Autumn International where he started against New Zealand in a match where Wales suffered a heavy defeat.

His first game came against Italy after Dwayne Peel, who had started the game at scrum-half was injured in the seventh minute. He also started against France where he played extremely well, picking up the man of the match award despite being on the losing side. After a successful season with the Blues, he was picked for Wales’s tour to Argentina where he started both tests^[16][17].

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Bio at Welsh Rugby Union
• Bio at Cardiff Blues