Phillips back in Wales squad

Wednesday 29 June 2011

Mike Phillips has been reinstated back into the Welsh World Cup squad after he apologised to Welsh Rugby Union bosses and agreed to counselling.

The British and Irish Lions scrum-half was banned earlier this month following a late-night incident in Cardiff city centre.

Police were called to the city centre after Phillips was refused entry into a fast-food restaurant, which resulted in a fight with the security staff.

Phillips was banned after footage of the incident was posted on the internet, but he was reinstated on Monday and he has admitted he would be seeking help.

"I am ashamed and I am determined to put things right, said Phillips.

"I have realised I have an issue with the way in which I deal with, and have dealt with, the pressures of my current environment and have sought, and will continue to seek, help and advice in relation to that.

"I have formally and sincerely apologised to my team-mates and the coaching staff in the Welsh squad.

Welsh coach, Warren Gatland, will now be putting his side through a series of tests before he decides on his final squad for the World Cup.

Gatland admitted that it was Phillips's descision to aplogise to the WRU that gave him his place back in the squad.

It's just a case of now getting picked for the flight to the World Cup and a player of Phillips's quality most certainly should do.