Emyr Phillips to retire at the end of the season

Scarlets hooker Emyr Phillips has confirmed that he will retire at the end of the 2017-18 season.
 

After a decade of rugby with the Scarlets 31-year-old Phillips has called time on his playing career in order to concentrate on the next leg of his rugby journey as a coach.

 
Since making his regional debut in March 2009, against the Dragons, Phillips has gone on to become one of the stalwarts of the region making 152 appearances to date, including an appearance off the replacements bench in the 2016-17 PRO12 semi-final and final victories.

 
A dynamic and mobile forward, whose athleticism and pace also saw him cover on the flank from time to time, Phillips has been an influential member of the squad over the last ten years. A highly respected player, amongst peers and coaches, has seen him lead the region on numerous occasions.

 
As well as making a century and a half of appearances for the Scarlets Phillips has also represented his hometown club Llandovery 130 times.
 

The Llandovery-born hooker developed through the ranks at the Drovers and made his senior debut as an enthusiastic 18-year-old against Cross Keys. Phillips was rewarded with a Scarlets contract after standout performance for the Drovers.
 

Phillips has scored 21 tries in 282 appearances for Llandovery and the Scarlets. He won the first of three international caps for Wales against Japan in 2013.

 
As part of his continued professional development Phillips took on a role as Forwards Coach with Scarlets Under 18s and has more recently joined Llanelli RFC’s coaching staff.