The former Wales scrum-half will speak about the incident on a new S4C programme next week
Former Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips has opened up about one of the “worst things” he has done in his life, recalling his drink-driving shame in 2024.
The 99-cap international – who played for Wales between 2003 and 2015 – made the revelation on the latest episode of S4C’s Y Cyfweliad (The Interview). The programme is a Welsh-language version of the internationally acclaimed series The A-Talks, also known as the The Assembly, which features a group of autistic, neurodivergent and learning disabled interviewers asking questions to well-known figures.
Welsh actor Michael Sheen has already appeared on the English-language version, with Phillips taking part in S4C’s show next week.
Phillips’ interview will be be broadcast on S4C on Monday, 6 January at 9pm.
But in the interview, the former scrum-half – who toured with the British and Irish Lions in 2009 and 2013 – spoke candidly about moments that tested him off the field.
That included having to tell his parents about the drink-driving incident – a moment he described as one of the “worst things” he has done.
Phillips was found to be three times over the legal limit when he was arrested in Llanwrtyd Wells on July 7, 2024. A breathalyser recorded a reading of 108mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath with the legal limit being 35mcg. Following his guilty plea in court, magistrates banned the former Scarlets, Cardiff, and Ospreys back from driving for 25 months.
Phillips was also fined £1,153 while he must also pay a £461 surcharge and £85 in costs.
“I was so angry with myself because it’s one of the worst things I’ve done,” he says in the programme.
“I was upset with myself because I broke down massively with Mum and Dad and let people down. But it’s very lucky that nothing bad happened.”
Phillips was also asked about the last time he cried, with the 43-year-old referring back to that moment and the emotional strain of telling his parents.
The former Ospreys scrum-half also speaks about growing up on a farm in west Wales, living in Dubai, and the state of Welsh rugby today.
“We all know the situation – it’s difficult of course,” he said.
“We’re a small country – it’s important that we have a national team that’s not always necessarily successful but are in the games.
“And playing with heart because they represent us all and that gives such a boost to people, so we’ll see what comes.”
The episode ends with a heartfelt performance of Calon Lân by the interviewers.
Y Cyfweliad – Mike Phillips will be available on S4C, S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from Tuesday 6 January at 21.00. Also taking part in the series is Bronwen Lewis and Elin Fflur. The first episode with Dafydd Iwan is available on demand. English subtitles are available.
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