The rugby community have rallied behind Ospreys player Ifan Phillips, who was in a motorcycle accident and has suffered "life-changing injuries". A crowdfunding page has just about to reach its goal.
The 25-year-olds's rugby career has been cut short following the road traffic collision on Sunday.
He reportedly had surgery today.
Head coach Toby Booth has spoken of the Ospreys’ deep sense of shock. over the news of the son of former Wales and Neath hooker Kevin Phillips.
In a statement, South Wales Police said:
“Officers are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision that occurred at around 1.38pm on Sunday, 5 December on the B4603, Morfa Road, Landore, Swansea, opposite Landore Social Club.
“The collision involved two motorcycles, a green Triumph Street Scrambler and a Kawasaki. One rider was taken to hospital, where he remains and is being treated for life-changing injuries.
“The road was closed for a number of hours whilst investigations continued, and we thank anyone affected during this time for their patience.
“We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-cam footage, anyone who stopped to provide assistance, or anyone who saw the motorcycles prior to the collision.”
Ospreys hooker Phillips has played 40 games for the Welsh region since making his debut in 2017 and is a Wales Under-20 international.
Supporters can donate to the Ifan Phillips Just Giving page to help the family and Ifan in his recovery
Ospreys boss Booth said:
“Obviously, it’s terrible, tragic and very upsetting for all, especially himself and his family.
“Words fail me a little bit around it, to be honest. Basically, we need to be there for Ifan in whatever capacity for the short, medium and long-term.
“We will do everything we can to support him and help him through the next transition of his life, which is obviously going to be a huge change for him.
“As you can imagine, they (Ospreys squad) reacted a bit like you would expect to a team-mate having some tragic news. There was a sense of shock, really.
“We’ve worked through that individually and put support around certain individuals. We’ve had a lot of support from the WRPA (Welsh Rugby Players’ Association) and internally we have people to help, not just Ifan and his family, but the players who are very close to him.
“To have a career cut short through injury, effectively, is very upsetting, especially at a very young age.
“He was always keen to work hard at his game. He had a good personality, contributed and was always committed.
“We have reached out and shown individual and collective support and empathy to him. There is sympathy around that, but now it’s about what we do next for the Ospreys and him.
“Those things won’t finish tomorrow or the next day – they will be continuous for ever more in that respect. We have to do our part.”
Ospreys host Heineken Champions Cup opponents Sale Sharks on Sunday, and Booth added: “There is an emotional side that has contributed to the week.
“It would be artificial for us to say it is a normal week, because it isn’t.”
In a statement, the Ospreys said: “Ospreys can confirm hooker Ifan Phillips was involved in a serious road traffic accident in Swansea on Sunday afternoon and is now being treated at Morriston Hospital.
“Ifan is in a stable condition and he is uppermost in the thoughts of all of us at the Ospreys.
“On behalf of his team-mates, coaches, staff, all Ospreys supporters and the rugby community, we want to extend all our love and support to Ifan, his family and his friends.
“Ifan’s family are overwhelmed and very grateful for the support they have received in the last few days.”
Supporters can donate to the Ifan Phillips Just Giving page to help the family and Ifan in his recovery
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