AFTER a professional career spanning 14 years, Mike Phillips brought his time as a rugby player to a close as he played his final game for his team, Sale Sharks.
After 99 international caps, 10 international tries, 2 Lions’ tours and 3 Grand Slams, the time has come for Mike to hang up his boots.
On Saturday night (May 20) S4C will be showing an hour-long documentary entitled Mike Phillips: Y Gêm Olaf, offering a unique glimpse into the last 24 hours of the former Wales and Lions scrum-half’s career.
The AJ Bell Stadium in Manchester was the location for his final farewell, and despite helping his side to a memorable win over Bath, the day proved to be a bittersweet occasion for Wales’ most-capped scrum half.
Mike said: “It was a very emotional day and it went by quite quickly. My family and friends came up to watch me and it was great. The game went well too so I was very happy with how the day went.
“My body’s been telling me for I while to stop and now is the right time. I’ve done everything I’ve wanted to do; I’ve played for Wales and the Lions. I’ve had a great send off by the Sale Sharks and I’m very happy with that. But now I’m looking forward to the future.”
The farmer’s son from Bancyfelin has enjoyed a colourful career and has the subject of headlines on the front pages of newspapers as well as the back. But what aspects of his life as one of Wales’ finest and best loved sports stars will he miss the most in retirement?
“Rugby players have a very privileged lifestyle and it’s something that I’m sure I’ll miss,” added Mike.
“The laughs and the craic you have every day in training and as part of the team. You go to work every day but it doesn’t really feel like work. Of course you work hard but you have a lot of fun and you go to the training pitch and matches with your friends.
“But it has been very intense over the years. The seasons are so long and every summer I was away on tour to a different part of the world. I won’t miss the tough training sessions. You have to push yourself to the limit every day and I’ve been doing it for years. Now I’m looking forward to relaxing and enjoying my life.”
At 34 years of age and looking for a ‘regular’ job, which direction will Mike’s career take him in the future – to the modelling world perhaps?
“No, I don’t think so, not at all. I’m speaking to a lot of people about the options I have. I’d definitely like to stay in the game in some capacity. I’m sure I’ll be doing a bit of coaching and work with the media, but there’s no concrete plan in place yet. The first thing I’m going to do is relax and spend some time with my family and friends.”
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