Scarlets Injury SOS brings former Welsh international out of retirement

Mike Phillips is set to make a surprise return to rugby having retired at the end of last season.

The 35-year-old former Wales and British and Irish Lion scrum-half could find himself on the bench over the next two weekends, as Scarlets travel to South Africa to take on the Southern Kings and the Cheetahs in the Pro14 after being named in the travelling squad.

It’s only @mikephillips009! ? #inthepack

Croeso nôl Mike! #ynypac https://t.co/ZlR5Gse7Zk

— Scarlets Rugby (@scarlets_rugby) November 21, 2017

Phillips answered an SOS call from head coach Wayne Pivic after the region found themselves with only one scrum-half in Jonathan Evans after fourth-choice Declan Smith underwent ankle surgery having picked up an injury in the Anglo-Welsh Cup a few weeks ago, while Gareth and Aled Davies are currently on duty with the Welsh national side.

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

Phillips who has won 94 Tests for Wales and five for the Lions hung up his boots at the end of the 2016-17 campaign, playing for Sale Sharks at the time, bringing the curtain down for a short time on an illustrious career.

Squad travelling to South Africa;

Forwards

Tadhg Beirne

Will Boyde

David Bulbring

Jack Condy

Steven Cummins

James Davies

Taylor Davies

Dylan Evans

Ryan Elias

Rhys Fawcett

Simon Gardiner

Dafydd Hughes

Werner Kruger

Josh Macleod

Tom Phillips

Tom Price

Lewis Rawlins

Backs

Paul Asquith

Jonathan Evans

Ioan Hughes

Steff Hughes

Dan Jones

Johnny Mcnicholl

Ioan Nicholas

Mike Phillips

Tom Prydie

Morgan Williams