Children at the famous Carmarthenshire club, which has produced current Welsh internationals Jonathan Davies and Scott Williams alongside the highly decorated Phillips, received a late Christmas present when they returned to training after the seasonal break.
A full set of new playing jerseys carrying the 80-times capped Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half’s twitter sign ‘mikephillips009’ was dished out at the first training session of the new year – much to the delight and gratitude of the enthusiastic youngsters.
“It’s rewarding to be able to give something back to the club where I started, I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the coaches, the volunteers and the players that make up Whitland rugby club,” said Phillips.
“It’s a great club, I try and get back there when I can and I know both Scott and Jonathan feel the same.
“I can’t wait to come down to a game and see the kids running around proudly in their new kit, it’s a great privilege to be able to help out in some small way and I’m really glad to have been asked.
“We didn’t know what to put on there, but because the guys who coach the team got hold of me on twitter in the first place that seemed to be the obvious thing.
“The shirts look really good and it’s heart-warming to see the youngsters wearing them so proudly. Whitland rugby club is an integral part of the community, the club must be getting something right to have produced so many top players over the years and to have three players in the Wales squad for the past few seasons – and two on the Lions tour this summer – tells you everything you need to know about the club.”
Enterprising coaches for the fledgling side, which meets every Sunday to play tag rugby fixtures against local opposition at Dr Owen Park in Whitland or travels to the likes of Tenby and as far as St David’s in Pembrokeshire, were faced with a common problem at the start of the season with much of the squad playing in ‘hand-me-downs’ from older brothers and sisters and many without jerseys at all.
In search of a sponsor for some new jerseys, they stumbled across the famous ex-Borderer’s twitter account, dropped him a line and the rest was easy.
“Mike didn’t hesitate, I think his first response on twitter was ‘great idea, I’m really keen to help out’ and we can’t thank him enough, said Kasey Rees who coaches the side.
“The kids were over the moon when they found out, we had to keep it secret from them over Christmas until the shirts arrived, but we handed the kit out in the first training session in January and there was an extra spring in everyone’s step.
“Mike is a local hero and a living legend, not just in Whitland, but amongst Welsh rugby fans around the world.”
Whitland RFC Vice Chairman Jason Bowen added: “Whitland RFC is a successful and thriving rugby club based on the borders of Carmenthenshire and Pembrokshire and we have produced a host of famous stars including, recent internationals like Mike, Scott and Jonathan.
“Mike, Scott and Jonathan are all generous men they are always around the club trying to help out when they have the chance and this is just the latest example of Mikes faultless generosity, for which we are extremely grateful.
“We have a first XV team that play in the Swalec League 1 West, the Second XV that play in the WWRU Carmarthen Tyres League.
“We have a league winning and recently promoted Ladies team and excellent youth and junior teams.
“We are always on the look-out for new players from the juniors to the seniors so please feel free to contact us and we will tell you how you can get involved.”
