MIKE PHILLIPS HAS announced his retirement from international rugby at the age of 33.
The scrum-half is currently playing with Racing 92 in France, but has called time on a Test career that began with a try-scoring performance against Romania in 2003.
Phillips won a total of 94 caps for Wales, while five Tests for the Lions on the 2009 and 2013 tours brought Phillips’ total in international rugby to 99.
The former Ospreys and Bayonne scrum-half helped Wales to Grand Slams in 2008 and 2012, as well as a Six Nations crown in 2013.
His final appearance for Wales was the defeat to Ireland in Cardiff during the World Cup warm-ups. Phillips was then omitted from Warren Gatland’s 31-man squad for the global tournament, but was later called up as an injury replacement for Rhys Webb.
The 6ft 3ins halfback made four appearances at the 2007 World Cup, then started six games for Wales at the 2011 tournament.
“This is a chance for me to bring this chapter of my life to a close,” said Phillips in a statement.
“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.”
Phillips has made four appearances off the bench for Racing 92 this season.
