MIKE PHILLIPS’ life has changed considerably since he retired from playing rugby in May.
Getting married, globetrotting, and hanging around with A-Listers such as P Diddy has dominated the former Wales and Lions star’s summer.
But another challenge has also taken up much of his spare time over the last 12 months – being a mentor to women’s rugby team, Senghenydd Sirens.
Throughout the season, S4C’s cameras followed Mike and the team as they battled in National Women’s League Division Two.
The new series, ‘Mike Phillips a’r Senghenydd Sirens’, continues on Wednesday (Oct 11) at 8.25pm.
Mike, who ended his playing career last season playing for Sale Sharks, said: “It was raining the night I met the team, but they never dropped the ball and the standard was good. I was impressed. They were more skilful than the team I played for last season!
“There are so many characters there and that’s one of the things I like most about rugby. You have to be off your head to play!
“They did what I was asked and fair play to them, they trained so hard and improved so much. Last season, they went on a special diet and many of them feel healthier now, so I think the whole thing has been a positive change in their lives.”
The growing popularity of the sport among women in Wales is testament to the professional attitude that now exists in the women’s game, Mike believes.
“The Wales team is playing well and that’s important for the women’s game to develop. It’s definitely growing now. Rugby gives so much direction to everyone who plays and you see that at Senghenydd Sirens. I’ve taken a couple of training sessions with women’s teams in Cardiff over the summer as well, and I’ve really been impressed with the standard. One day hopefully women will be able to play the game professionally too. That would be great.”
Despite having a glimpse into the life of a coach – has Mike missed his life as a professional rugby player since hanging up his boots?
“No, not really,” he said. “I had a brilliant summer and the wedding day was a great day. I’m working in the UK and abroad so it’s nice to go elsewhere to get some sun as well. It’s been a busy time since retiring and a lot of things in my life have changed since then.
“I’m very proud of what I achieved in rugby, but now I’m looking forward to the next step, trying to do some work in the media and maybe a bit of coaching as well. The experience of coaching Senghenydd Sirens was brilliant and I might like to do it again sometime.”
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