Wales’ Mike Phillips retires from international rugby

Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips has announced his retirement from international rugby.

Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips has announced his retirement from international rugby in an interview with the BBC. Picture: PA

The Racing 92 player appeared in 99 Tests - 94 for Wales and five for the British and Irish Lions.

But the 33-year-old did not play in the recent World Cup, left out of Warren Gatland’s initial squad for the tournament before being recalled as cover for the injured Rhys Webb ahead of the opening game against Uruguay.

“This is a chance for me to close a chapter of my life, playing for Wales has been a massive part of my life since I was 20 or 21, and to move on the next chapter,” Phillips said in an interview on the programme, The Real Mike Phillips, to be broadcast on BBC Wales next Monday.