Phillips retires on 99 Tests

Editor

Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips has retired from international rugby on 99 caps.

Phillips, currently with Racing 92, last featured for Wales during their 2015 Rugby World Cup warm-up match against Ireland back in August, although he was part of their squad for the tournament.

Phillips won 94 caps for Wales and five for the Lions, featuring on the 2009 and 2013 tours to South Africa and Australia.

His debut for Wales came in 2003 against Romania, with Phillips going on to score 10 tries in Test matches.

"This is a chance for me to bring this chapter of my life to a close," read a statement from Phillips.

"Playing for Wales has been such a huge part of my adult life and this is a chance for me to say thank you to everyone from family and friends, the coaches and management of the Welsh Rugby Union, all of the great players that I have been fortunate enough to play with and against and of course the fantastic Welsh fans for their great support.

"It was always a dream of mine to play for Wales, it meant everything to me and it's an amazing feeling to represent your country. For me it was a privilege."