Scarlets call on Mike Phillips

Former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips will come out of retirement to play for his former region the Scarlets.

Scarlets have called on the expertise of Phillips to cover the scrum-half berth following an injury, and subsequent surgery, to former Wales U20s scrum-half Declan Smith and both Aled and Gareth Davies being in the Wales camp.

Commenting on the call-up head coach Wayne Pivac said: “It’s just been one of those things! We only have one of our four contracted scrum-halves available through injury and international call-ups. We looked at the nines available to us within the region, and Welsh qualified players in the Championship, but they were unable to travel due to work commitments and club commitments.

“We are delighted that Mike has been able to answer the call and will be joining us in South Africa. He has a wealth of experience, is a proud former Scarlet and will be a great addition to our travelling squad.”

Scarlets face the Kings on Sunday and Cheetahs on December 2 on their PRO14 tour to South Africa.