Former Wales and British & Irish Lions scrum half was one of rugby’s fiery characters during his 16 years in top flight professional rugby.
Standing at 6ft 3” and weighing over 100kg Phillips is one of the biggest half backs to ever play international rugby which made him a physical presence on the pitch.
As well as his excellent distribution and communication skills he was known for instigating many fights and scuffles throughout his career and was one of the best in the business when it came to upsetting the opposition.
To demonstrate this, YouTuber Andrew Forde has put together a hilarious five-minute montage of Phillips fighting and riling up some of the most experienced and professional players at the very top level.
The video begins with the Welshman giving Ireland full back Rob Kearney some stern lip service during a feisty Six Nations clash in Dublin and goes on to show some of his most cynical moments at both club and international level.
Phillips was also at the centre of that iconic British & Irish Test series against South Africa in 2009 and the compilation features his tussles with Springboks Heinrich Brüssow, François Steyn and Pierre Spies.
Former Wales head coach Warren Gatland coached Phillips for several years at international level and in 2013 he said: “[Phillips is] Probably the most cocky, confident rugby player I have ever met in my life.
“But I’m saying that in a real positive way. He really has a lot of self-belief and when he’s on top of his game I think he’s very good… he’s got a very good pass, a very good kicking game, and he’s physical.”
Phillips retired from professional rugby in 2017 aged 35 with an agonising 99 international caps to his name - 94 for Wales and a further five for the Lions across two separate tours to South Africa and Australia.
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