Mike ‘Spike’ Phillips has been hailed as “a true professional” after he announced his retirement from professional rugby at the end of this season.
The former Wales scrum-half won 94 caps for his country during a 12-year international career that also included five Test match appearances for the British and Irish Lions in South Africa in 2009 and Australia four years later.
Phillips, 34, joined his current club Sale Sharks from French side Racing 92 last summer. He previously played for the Scarlets, Cardiff Blues, Ospreys and Bayonne.
He called time on his Test career in December 2015, having made a final Wales appearance four months previously.
Paying tribute to Phillips, Sale rugby director Steve Diamond said: “On behalf of the club and the rest of the coaches, I would like to thank Mike for his massive contribution this season to the squad.
“He’s a great lad and a true professional, and we as a club have learnt a lot from him. We want to wish him all the best in his retirement.”
A number of players saluted Phillips on Twitter, with England international centre Brad Barritt tweeting: “Congrats on a great career mate,” while former Ireland and Lions flanker Stephen Ferris said: “Best of luck big man. Legend.” and ex-Scotland wing Nikki Walker tweeted: “Well done mate, Awesome career!”
A double Wales Grand Slam winner, Phillips made his retirement announcement in a series of messages on his official Twitter account, @mikephillips009.
Phillips wrote: “I would like to announce my retirement as a professional rugby player at the end of this season with @SaleSharksRugby.
“Thanks to the fans, team-mates, club, coaches, @WelshRugbyUnion the @LionsOfficial, friends & family who have supported me over the years.
“I will attack the next chapters with the same passion, commitment and laughter as I did with my entire career. See you soon!”
A powerful half-back with a fierce competitive streak, Phillips made his Wales debut against Romania in 2003 and went on to win 94 caps for his country plus five for the British and Irish Lions.
He is the most capped scrum-half in Welsh international history – having passed Dwayne Peel in four years ago – and won Grand Slams in 2008 and 2012 plus the Six Nations title in 2013.
Phillips was a leading figure in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, scoring a memorable try in the quarter-final win against Ireland, and toured South Africa and Australia with the Lions.
His last Test was against the Irish in the build-up to the 2015 World Cup but he didn’t feature in the tournament despite getting a late call-up courtesy of Rhys Webb’s injury misfortune.
