Michael Phillips

Biography

Born in Carmarthen in 1982, Powerful scrum-half Michael Phillips adds a bit of grit to the Welsh half backs. Making his debut against Romania in 2003.

Most of his International career has been spent in the shadow of Dwayne Peel, however he did get his opportunity in 2005 against the All Blacks but a poor performance didn't do him any favours.

A move to Cardiff Blues saw him reach his potential at club level with some fine displays throughout the 2005/06 season.

He was named as second string scrum-half to Peel again in the 2006 Six Nations. However got his chance as Peel was injured against Italy. This paved the way for Phillips to really show what he could do. A man of the match performance against France, with his commanding 6' 3" frame and powerful running, finally he was able to replicate his fine club form.

A frustrated Phillips was again relegated to the bench for the 2007 Six Nations. The 2006/07 season saw Phillips complete a high profile move from Cardiff Blues to the Ospreys.

He joined up with the Wales Squad again for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in France but again despite the poor form Dwayne Peel saw his opportunities limited once again.

However a purple patch for Mike Phillips was just around the corner as new Wales coach Warren Gatland started him in every game of the 2008 Six Nations Grand Slam triumph. This has seen Phillips leap frog Peel as Wales no. 9 and earned him a place in the 2009 British & Irish Lions Squad for their tour of South Africa.