Former Wales international Mike Phillips set to come out of retirement

Former Wales international Mike Phillips is set to come out of his retirement and will feature for Scarlets in the upcoming Pro 14 encounters against Cheetahs and Southern Kings.

The former British and Irish Lions scrum-half announced his decision to end his professional rugby career at the end of the previous season but with Scarlets missing the services of scrum-halves Gareth Davies and Aled Davies and Wales Under-20 international Declan Smith sidelined by injury, the 35-year-old was named in the 27-man squad.

"We only have one of our four contracted scrum-halves available through injury and international call-ups," Scarlets head coach Wayne Pivac said.

"We looked at the nines available to us within the region, and Welsh-qualified players in the Championship, but they were unable to travel due to work commitments and club commitments.

"We are delighted that Mike has been able to answer the call and will be joining us in South Africa.

"He has a wealth of experience, is a proud former Scarlet and will be a great addition to our travelling squad."

Phillips has the experience of playing for Scarlets, Cardiff Blues, Ospreys, Bayonne, Racing 92 and Sale Sharks previously apart from making 94 appearances for Wales.