Mike Phillips: Y Gem Olaf


Mike Phillips: Y Gem Olaf

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-99 caps for Wales and the Lions.

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-10 international tries.

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-Three Grand Slams.

-But only one Mike Phillips.

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-Local rugby.

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-Club rugby.

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-International rugby.

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-Mike Phillips scores.

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-Highlights.

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-Wearing the Wales shirt

-meant everything to me.

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-Lowlights.

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-I was young.

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-A little bit stupid.

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-That controversial try.

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-Phillips is in.

-Mike Phillips has scored.

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-That try.

-These things happen in rugby.

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-A memorable career.

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-I'd never have dreamt

-that Michael...

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-..would have played

-so many times for Wales.

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-The time has come

-to say goodbye to the game.

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-My body's telling me today

-that I'm ready to give up rugby.

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-Our cameras followed Mike's life

-for a 24-hour period.

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-Right, time for bed. Get out!

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-An insight into an unique player.

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-The final 24 hours

-of a special career.

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-When he played for the Lions or

-St Clears, he gave 100% every time.

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-The final whistle is about

-to be blown on his rugby career.

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-I just hope I have a Mike Phillips

-performance in that shirt tomorrow.

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-It's important to me.

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-The first thing about Mike

-was that he was a big lad.

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-It was unusual to have someone

-wearing the No.9 shirt...

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-..to be that size.

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-You could see the intent

-in his eyes.

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-Through strength, pace,

-power and vision...

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-..no-one got the better of Mike.

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-I'm in Colwyn Bay,

-at Rydal Penrhos School.

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-I'm presenting the annual awards.

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-I hope the children are glad to

-see me - I'm here to help and enjoy.

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-Rugby's given me so much. It's

-important to give something back.

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-Ladies and gentlemen,

-I give you Mike Phillips.

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-Tell us a little bit

-about your own school days.

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-Um...

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-I did go to school.

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-Sometimes it doesn't show but I did.

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-I did love it.

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-I wasn't particularly great

-in school but I loved sport.

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-I was part of everything...

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-..and that was my passion

-as a young kid growing up.

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-I remember nights like this when

-I was young - the awards evening.

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-It was very special

-and a chance to relax.

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-I've thought a lot

-about it recently, looking back.

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-It's gone so quickly.

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-It feels like yesterday

-when I played...

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-..for St Clears,

-Bancyfelin and Whitland.

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-That was the foundation

-of my career.

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-Were you involved in music or drama?

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-Or was it just purely...?

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-I had a few girlfriends

-who did pretty well in school shows.

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-I can imagine.

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-It's really nice.

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-My professional rugby career

-ends tomorrow.

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-Hopefully, some of these youngsters

-are starting their careers.

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-It's nice to be a part of it.

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-It brings back memories

-of my time in school...

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-..dreaming about playing for Wales.

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-Hopefully someone here tonight

-will represent Wales.

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-A big round of applause please

-for Mike.

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-It was great to meet everyone

-and hear their stories.

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-It takes me back to my youth,

-playing sports.

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-That was my passion as a youngster.

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-I like school, I got on with

-everyone. I had lots of friends.

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-I look back with top memories.

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-Mike's life started

-on the farm in Bancyfelin.

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-He was the youngest of three.

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-Mother Morfydd was a teacher

-and father Trevor was a farmer.

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-I was lucky to be raised on a farm.

-I enjoyed life.

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-There was so much room to play

-every sport.

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-Tennis, cricket, rugby.

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-I had two older brothers

-and I could play with them.

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-I helped out on the farm too.

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-I didn't like it but I had to do it

-after school sometimes...

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-..and on the weekend.

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-It helped me a lot in my life.

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-It also taught me

-never to become a farmer!

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-Mam and Dad

-were a huge influence on me.

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-Both of them are quite laid-back.

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-Dad thinks he's hilarious,

-but he's not.

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-Both of them are a pair of legends

-to be honest.

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-Away from the farm,

-rugby was everything.

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-I played for Bancyfelin school.

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-I also played for St Clears U9.

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-I was quite good

-when I was that age.

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-I loved playing, I was fast.

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-I loved it when I scored tries.

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-I fell in love with the game

-straight away to be honest.

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-I enjoyed watching Wales play.

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-When you're young,

-you know it's huge.

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-All your family watch it on TV.

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-They build the game up.

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-You can feel it,

-even when you're young.

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-You just dream

-about playing for Wales.

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-I don't want to sound arrogant...

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-..but, yeah,

-I thought it was going to happen.

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-I remember Mam asking me what

-I wanted to do when I was older.

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-I'd always tell her

-that I'd play for Wales.

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-That's what happened.

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-I reached youth level...

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-..and I loved it.

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-I was part of a team.

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-At that age,

-when you're starting out...

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-..you have a couple of pints,

-go out, chase some women!

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-Everyone says it's the best time.

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-That's one of the reasons

-I fell in love with the game.

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-The social side was brilliant.

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-Fond memories.

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-Where do you want me to start?

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-When we played for Llanelli U-21...

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-..he never gave an inch.

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-How can I describe him?

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-You know the film Bodyguard,

-Mike was Whitney Houston...

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-..me and Bryn Griffiths

-were Kevin Costner.

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-Mike would like starting fights

-and me and him would finish them.

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-It's midnight, time for bed.

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-I can't believe it.

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-I'm playing

-my final professional game tomorrow.

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-It's quite odd to be honest.

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-I'm really looking forward to it.

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-I've been preparing for this game

-for a while.

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-Mam and Dad are coming up,

-my two brothers.

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-It's great to have family

-and friends here for my final game.

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-I'm sure I'll be very emotional

-before the game.

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-I just hope...

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-..I have a good game.

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-I want to end my career

-performing well for the team.

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-I just hope I have a Mike Phillips

-performance in that shirt tomorrow.

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-That's important to me.

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-I've had a busy day today.

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-There's a lot

-to think about tonight.

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-I might not sleep much tonight.

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-.

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-Subtitles

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-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

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-I slept well.

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-Yesterday was a long day.

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-In the end, I slept well.

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-It's hit me this morning,

-to be honest.

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-The big day has arrived.

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-I'm not sure what to expect today.

-It's going to be different.

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-I'm looking forward to the game.

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-On game day,

-I'm quite relaxed in the morning.

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-Your body knows when you get up...

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-..that it's game day.

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-You prepare all week for the game.

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-There's a long build-up.

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-The body prepares itself

-for all the knocks.

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-The body knows that you're going

-to push it all the way.

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-It's hard to describe...

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-..but when you get up,

-you know it's game day.

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-When you're young...

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-..there was more excitement.

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-These days, the body takes

-an hour or two to wake up.

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-I think my body's telling me today

-that it's time to give up rugby.

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-It's hard to keep going.

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-I'll put everything into it today.

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-There'll be no regrets

-at the end of the game.

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-I'll just go out there

-and smash someone!

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-I'm having a boiled egg.

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-I might be on MasterChef

-after this morning.

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-I need to improve my cooking skills.

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-I've eaten whatever I've wanted

-throughout my career.

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-We train so hard, I need food

-because I'm working so much.

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-If I want a jam doughnut, I eat one.

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-BLEEP

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-That was quite sad.

-One egg died this morning.

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-Here it is.

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-We'll see,

-I might get food poisoning.

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-The Scarlets shirt is legendary.

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-I grew up

-watching Rupert Moon playing No.9.

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-I liked the way he played.

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-It was a dream come true

-to be part of the team.

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-Substitute for Llanelli,

-wearing No.20, Mike Phillips.

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-He replaces Rupert Moon.

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-This was the moment

-Mike had worked so hard to achieve.

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-A professional contract

-with the Scarlets.

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-An opportunity

-to play rugby full-time.

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-A chance to be a star,

-a chance to shine.

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-When you get your first contract,

-you're on TV...

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-..everyone recognises you,

-you get so much attention.

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-With me,

-it went right up to the top.

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-You want the attention

-when you're young.

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-Everyone wants it.

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-I dealt with it quite well.

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-The Scarlets had another starlet -

-Dwayne Peel...

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-..keeping Mike

-out of the first team.

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-For me to develop as a player,

-I had to move on...

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-..to improve my chances

-of playing for Wales...

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-..and for my own

-personal development.

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-The Blues were next -

-the bright lights of the city.

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-He was first choice,

-playing every week.

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-A favourite with the fans

-and the club.

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-A new dawn for Welsh rugby -

-big games, big contracts.

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-Mike Phillips.

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-Needs to control it and he's home.

-The bounce is kind.

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-He's over against his old club.

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-Looking back, I thought

-I was some kind of celebrity.

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-I walked around

-with a big head sometimes.

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-I was young,

-I was earning good money.

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-I was going out in the city

-after a game.

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-It was a good time.

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-We're losing the characters

-in the game.

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-The players know nothing

-apart from professional rugby.

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-Sometimes the clubs miss out.

-This is the root of our game.

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-We must make sure

-we look after them.

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-Characters like Mike,

-who don't follow the rules...

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-..having those exceptions

-is healthy for the game.

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-I hate things like this...

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-..but when you're old like me...

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-..it's difficult just to

-get up and go in the morning.

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-This is more important to me

-than training with the team.

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-After any game, the physio

-will ask you if you have an injury.

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-I'd always say no.

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-You should tell them

-if you have a little niggle...

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-..but then you can't go out

-in the night.

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-I always said I was fine.

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-I had to back it up every Monday

-and go through the pain.

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-That's how I was.

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-Mike was making the headlines

-on the field.

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-In 2007, he signed a lucrative

-contract with the Ospreys.

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-A golden opportunity

-during a golden era for the team.

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-A chance for Mike to develop

-as a physical player.

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-Just calm yourself down.

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-As you get older, you learn

-to control your temper...

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-..at the right time.

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-I also like to play the game

-on the edge.

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-The bonfire is now well lit.

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-That's why I play a lot better -

-I want to be part of everything.

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-I like the physical side of it.

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-Phillips. He wasn't held.

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-I've never been wound up

-by anyone else.

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-The only person who winds me up

-is me.

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-When I lose my head...

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-..I lose it because I've

-done something I wasn't happy with.

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-Sometimes, I do it on purpose

-to create more energy in the team.

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-It also builds something

-inside of me - it helps me.

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-When Mike loses his head,

-there's a reason behind it.

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-He was also making

-front page headlines.

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-An attack outside a nightclub

-in 2008.

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-He was bailed after an alleged fight

-with a bouncer in 2009.

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-In 2011, that notorious incident

-outside McDonald's.

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-I've certainly done a few things

-I'm not happy with.

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-I was young, foolish.

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-It just happens.

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-I've just gone with the flow.

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-Sometimes it works out

-and sometimes it doesn't.

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-You just move on and learn.

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-You improve as a person and move on.

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-When I do something wrong,

-Mam lays in to me.

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-Dad's more laid-back.

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-Mam's different.

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-She cools down

-and we're friends again.

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-It's difficult when Mam

-reads about it in the newspapers.

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-I know it's not all true...

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-..or it looks worse

-than what actually happened.

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-That upsets me.

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-You can't please everyone. You'll

-never get everyone on your side.

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-That's what playing for Wales

-is all about.

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-That's the way it goes.

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-It's happened this year.

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-I've gone out with the boys

-and I've gone home at 9.00pm.

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-I know people are filming

-and taking photos.

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-I leave them and they leave me.

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-They call me old, they want to see

-the real Mike Phillips.

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-Life has changed so much.

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-It's so dangerous now for players.

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-I'd never want to start out now

-as a rugby player.

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-I'm so glad I played when I did.

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-Everyone's taking photos and videos

-now.

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-I'd never want to start again.

-I'm happy that it ends today.

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-It's sad really

-but that's the way it goes.

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-I'm not sure if

-that's a good thing or a bad thing.

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-Before I played with Mike

-I thought that he was...

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-He's actually

-a really caring person.

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-He also cares a lot about the game.

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-When you get close to a big game...

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-The clock is ticking,

-his final game is approaching.

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-Even Mike Phillips

-has to pack his own bag.

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-This time for the last time.

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-I'm remembering back to

-when I was young, starting out.

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-That's what I'm thinking about.

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-Everything's going so quickly.

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-This is my final game.

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-Yeah, it's very odd.

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-My final pair of boots

-for my final game.

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-I did it my way!

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-Those are nice.

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-I hope I can score

-a few tries today.

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-We'll see.

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-I've always been true to myself

-when I've played.

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-I've enjoyed it so much,

-on and off the pitch.

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-Looking sharp.

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-Here we go then.

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-.

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-Subtitles

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-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

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-We're on the way to Carrington...

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-..Sale Sharks' training base.

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-This is where we prepare

-before every game...

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-..and meet before every home match.

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-We travel to the stadium on the bus.

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-A couple of hours, some lunch,

-stretches, the team meeting...

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-..and away we go.

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-Wearing the Wales shirt

-has meant everything to me.

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-Everything I've done,

-every choice I've made...

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-..made the opportunity to play

-for Wales much easier.

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-That's been the most important part

-of my career.

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-2003, at the age of 21, his

-international debut against Romania.

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-Mike Phillips

-gets over the try-line.

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-He's big and strong

-and wants to make his mark.

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-I was so young,

-as a man, as a person.

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-I had a lot to learn.

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-I was lucky, I was glad

-they invited me into the squad.

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-That was my development

-within the team.

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-But he wasn't on the grand stage.

0:23:530:23:55

-Dwayne Peel was first choice

-for Wales and he kept Mike out.

0:23:560:24:00

-His chance came in 2008.

-Gatland's arrival.

0:24:000:24:04

-The Kiwi was impressed

-with Mike's physicality.

0:24:040:24:07

-Phillips has charged it down.

0:24:090:24:11

-Gethin Jenkins.

-There are men out wide.

0:24:110:24:15

-It's another try for Phillips.

0:24:150:24:18

-Twickenham - England away from home.

0:24:180:24:21

-The game every Welshman

-wants to win.

0:24:210:24:25

-Mike's try seals victory.

-The Grand Slam was next.

0:24:250:24:29

-An amazing year for Wales.

0:24:290:24:32

-Every time you wear the shirt and

-you win, especially a Grand Slam...

0:24:320:24:37

-..it's so special.

0:24:370:24:39

-It's hard to describe.

0:24:400:24:42

-I'll never forget it.

0:24:420:24:45

-It's just something incredible,

-to be honest.

0:24:450:24:49

-The feelings you have.

0:24:500:24:52

-It's just very special.

0:24:530:24:56

-More success followed.

0:24:570:24:59

-He was playing in France by now

-and first choice for Wales.

0:25:000:25:04

-The semi-finals of the Rugby

-World Cup in New Zealand in 2011.

0:25:070:25:11

-Mike was at his best.

0:25:120:25:13

-It's been intercepted.

-Mike Phillips is away.

0:25:130:25:16

-Another Grand Slam in 2012.

-Mike was still first choice.

0:25:160:25:21

-Mike Phillips scores

-in dramatic fashion.

0:25:230:25:25

-The dream lived on, but in 2015...

0:25:260:25:29

-..Mike spent a season

-on the replacements' bench.

0:25:290:25:33

-Enough was enough -

-international retirement.

0:25:330:25:37

-It's difficult.

0:25:370:25:39

-That was the plan

-since I'd started to play rugby.

0:25:400:25:43

-All I wanted to do

-was play for Wales.

0:25:440:25:46

-I've carried on because I love

-the game and I want to play.

0:25:460:25:51

-Without a doubt, part of me

-finished playing the game that day.

0:25:510:25:57

-After that,

-I just wanted to enjoy rugby...

0:25:580:26:04

-..and try and rekindle the feelings

-I had playing as a youngster.

0:26:050:26:09

-There's so much pressure

-when you play for Wales.

0:26:090:26:13

-Pressure from the coaches,

-pressure from the fans and family.

0:26:130:26:19

-Everyone, including yourself.

-That's the biggest pressure of all.

0:26:190:26:25

-You're putting pressure on yourself.

0:26:250:26:28

-It was nice to see the back of that.

0:26:280:26:30

-Since then, it's been nice...

0:26:300:26:33

-..going out onto the pitch

-to enjoy playing rugby.

0:26:330:26:36

-Everything must end some time.

0:26:390:26:43

-Today is that day.

-The final game - Sale v Bath.

0:26:430:26:47

-Kick-off is approaching.

0:26:480:26:51

-You have to look like

-you know what you're doing.

0:26:540:26:58

-This boy doesn't know

-what he's doing.

0:26:590:27:02

-He doesn't understand Welsh, so...

0:27:020:27:04

-Because I've carried the team

-on my back, I have a bad back now.

0:27:080:27:12

-I don't understand Welsh but

-did he say I'm carrying the team?

0:27:120:27:15

-He's been telling me that a lot.

0:27:160:27:20

-That's something I'll miss,

-not being part of a team.

0:27:200:27:24

-That banter, all the stories.

0:27:250:27:28

-I'll miss that.

0:27:280:27:30

-For the season

-Mike's spent at Sale...

0:27:300:27:33

-..he's been playing with his

-fellow scrum-half, Peter Stringer.

0:27:330:27:38

-There's banter between them

-for a special reason.

0:27:390:27:42

-That famous try in 2011.

-The wrong ball.

0:27:430:27:46

-The try stood.

0:27:470:27:49

-Phillips is in.

0:27:490:27:51

-That try,

-it was an important try in the game.

0:27:560:27:59

-It wasn't the right ball.

0:27:590:28:01

-These things happen in rugby.

-You take the breaks when they come.

0:28:030:28:07

-There are two questions.

-Was it the right ball?

0:28:070:28:11

-Did the throw-in go

-the required five metres?

0:28:110:28:14

-That's what Peter Stringer

-wants to know.

0:28:140:28:17

-He gives me banter every day.

-We get on great.

0:28:170:28:21

-It was nice to score the try

-and win the game.

0:28:210:28:24

-If there's an opportunity to play,

-let's have a go.

0:28:260:28:30

-Banter is one thing.

-It's time to focus now.

0:28:300:28:33

-Time to concentrate,

-time for the game.

0:28:330:28:36

-One chance to complete the job.

0:28:360:28:38

-There's lads been here a year...

0:28:390:28:41

-..lads been here seven years

-who are leaving.

0:28:410:28:43

-It's a sad day but it's what we're

-all about, what we're here to do.

0:28:440:28:49

-Take out of it what you need,

-with your mates and the rest of it.

0:28:490:28:55

-We've got 9,000 people in there.

-Make sure we put a performance in.

0:28:560:29:00

-We're on the bus

-on the way to the game.

0:29:040:29:07

-I always sit at the back -

-the hardest at the back.

0:29:070:29:11

-And more caps. I'm not sure

-why he's sitting over there.

0:29:130:29:17

-I tend to sit up here, on my own.

0:29:190:29:22

-We're all focused -

-you can see the change in the boys.

0:29:250:29:29

-We need to think about the game

-and get our minds on the game.

0:29:290:29:34

-That's all that matters now.

0:29:350:29:37

-I want to play well, put a huge

-performance in for the last time.

0:29:370:29:43

-I can switch off then.

0:29:440:29:46

-It's strange. 94 caps for Wales.

-Five for the Lions.

0:29:460:29:50

-Loads of games

-but this is my last trip.

0:29:510:29:57

-So, it's um...

0:29:580:30:00

-It's hard to put into words.

0:30:010:30:04

-We were playing the Welsh game plan.

0:30:120:30:15

-Mike knew it inside out.

0:30:150:30:17

-He was able to drive it on

-with the other players.

0:30:200:30:23

-Off the field,

-we'd had a tough 2005 tour.

0:30:240:30:27

-To this day,

-we remain great friends.

0:30:340:30:37

-Phillips. Mike Phillips.

0:30:470:30:49

-2009 was first,

-a tour to South Africa.

0:30:490:30:52

-Mike was at his best

-in the tests again the Springboks.

0:30:520:30:55

-Rugby at the highest level.

0:30:550:30:57

-The Lions is so special.

-It's the pinnacle of rugby.

0:31:040:31:08

-We played some great rugby.

0:31:080:31:11

-I'd played against these boys

-every week.

0:31:110:31:15

-Then you go on tour with them

-for the Lions.

0:31:150:31:18

-You see them in a different light.

-That was very special.

0:31:180:31:23

-Paul especially.

-He was the captain, he was a hero.

0:31:240:31:28

-I have so much respect for him...

0:31:280:31:32

-..as a player and a person.

0:31:320:31:34

-He was a top, top boy.

0:31:340:31:37

-2013 was next.

-The Lions in Australia.

0:31:380:31:42

-Success this time.

0:31:420:31:43

-Winning the series to guarantee

-his name in the history books.

0:31:430:31:47

-Some easy metres for the Lions.

-Good play from Phillips.

0:31:470:31:51

-The British and Irish Lions have

-turned on a magnificent performance.

0:31:530:31:58

-There's so much history.

0:32:000:32:02

-So many Welsh players have gone on

-to play for the Lions...

0:32:020:32:06

-..over the years.

0:32:080:32:10

-Also, not many Lions teams

-have won a series.

0:32:100:32:15

-That was unique and very special.

0:32:160:32:19

-It's great to look back on it.

0:32:210:32:24

-I've forgotten most of it.

0:32:240:32:27

-I've had so much fun.

0:32:290:32:33

-I've enjoyed my time immensely.

-This is my final game.

0:32:330:32:37

-Would you change anything

-about your career?

0:32:370:32:42

-Yeah, maybe I would have gone to the

-Wimpy and not McDonald's that night.

0:32:460:32:51

-They like me in Wimpy.

0:32:540:32:56

-.

0:33:140:33:14

-Subtitles

0:33:220:33:22

-Subtitles

-

-Subtitles

0:33:220:33:23

-Mike Phillips' final 24 hours

-as a rugby player.

0:33:240:33:27

-Our cameras have an unique insight

-into the life of an unique player.

0:33:270:33:32

-It's game time. Mike's opportunity

-to shine for the final time.

0:33:330:33:37

-The emotion is starting to build.

0:33:400:33:42

-The game kicks off in an hour.

0:33:430:33:46

-You can feel it before a game,

-you're ready for all the impact.

0:33:460:33:51

-I'm looking forward to it now.

0:33:510:33:54

-It was nice to see

-so many supporters by the bus.

0:33:540:33:59

-That makes a difference.

0:33:590:34:01

-You feel as if you're doing

-something special and it is special.

0:34:020:34:06

-Playing professional rugby

-is special.

0:34:060:34:09

-I'm grateful for everything.

0:34:090:34:12

-I just want to perform

-as well as I know I can...

0:34:130:34:16

-..and finish on a note

-that befits my career.

0:34:160:34:19

-Mam, Dad, family.

-His biggest supporters.

0:34:260:34:29

-It's only right

-that they are here today.

0:34:290:34:32

-It's an emotional time for them too.

0:34:320:34:34

-It's hard to believe

-that Michael's career is ending.

0:34:340:34:40

-As a family,

-we've been so proud of him...

0:34:410:34:44

-..and so proud

-of what he's achieved.

0:34:440:34:47

-We've had some special experiences

-through his rugby career.

0:34:480:34:52

-When he was young,

-he was quiet, he was shy...

0:34:540:34:58

-..but he would always fight on.

0:34:580:35:00

-He never took a backward step.

0:35:010:35:03

-That's how

-I've always seen him play.

0:35:030:35:06

-When he played for the Lions or

-St Clears, he gave 100% every time.

0:35:060:35:12

-When he was younger, he wrote a

-list of everything he wanted to do.

0:35:130:35:18

-It was a bit of a shock.

0:35:180:35:19

-He said, "I will play for Wales...

0:35:200:35:22

-.."more than 50 times.

0:35:230:35:24

-"I will marry a mega-beautiful bird

-who'll be very nice to me.

0:35:250:35:31

-"I will be very successful

-in my rugby career."

0:35:310:35:35

-I couldn't believe

-what I was reading.

0:35:360:35:39

-When he was a young boy kicking

-the ball around the farmyard...

0:35:410:35:46

-..I'd never have dreamt that he

-would play for Wales so many times.

0:35:460:35:51

-And for the Lions too.

0:35:510:35:53

-So the scrapbooks are all full.

0:35:540:35:56

-We have some wonderful memories.

0:35:560:35:59

-It would be nice to turn back

-the clock but it's time to move on.

0:36:000:36:04

-The final game but still a big game

-and Mike's competitive to the end.

0:36:190:36:25

-Let's get sorted out.

-We have 9,000 people there.

0:36:270:36:30

-We've got the last game

-of the season...

0:36:310:36:33

-..blokes who bled for the club

-leaving.

0:36:330:36:36

-Let's have some humility and pride

-on that paddock.

0:36:360:36:39

-Let's go out there

-and enjoy this last game as a group.

0:36:390:36:44

-We've mentioned players leaving,

-playing their last game.

0:36:440:36:48

-Let's leave nothing out there.

0:36:480:36:51

-Be proud of what we do

-out there today.

0:36:510:36:54

-Running out for the final time

-for the final game.

0:37:050:37:08

-The final chapter in a career

-full of stories.

0:37:090:37:12

-The clock is ticking.

0:37:120:37:14

-Tick tock, tick tock.

0:37:250:37:28

-From Bancyfelin

-to Whitland and St Clears.

0:37:280:37:32

-To the Scarlets, Blues, Ospreys.

0:37:330:37:35

-Bayonne, Racing 92 and now Sale.

0:37:350:37:39

-94 caps for Wales. 5 for the Lions.

0:37:390:37:41

-Rugby's changed

-but Mike is still Mike.

0:37:410:37:47

-Exciting, strong, physical, unique.

0:37:470:37:51

-A fabled career

-for an unforgettable player.

0:37:510:37:55

-Tick tock, tick tock.

0:37:550:37:58

-Tick tock.

0:37:590:38:00

-The game's not over for Sale but

-for Mike, it's the end of a career.

0:38:010:38:06

-This is a notable moment.

0:38:080:38:10

-A special moment.

0:38:100:38:13

-This is a special player.

0:38:130:38:15

-A British and Irish Lion.

0:38:150:38:18

-A Wales master.

0:38:200:38:22

-That is Mike Phillips' final

-contribution to the game of rugby.

0:38:220:38:27

-It has been a good one

-this afternoon.

0:38:270:38:30

-Emotional moments.

0:38:380:38:40

-He looked a little bit sad,

-I thought.

0:38:480:38:50

-Punched the air a couple of times.

-Not sure he knew what to do.

0:38:500:38:54

-I think he'll be pleased,

-he'll be disappointed.

0:38:550:38:58

-He still wants to be out there.

0:38:580:39:00

-He had an awesome standing ovation

-from the Sale fans.

0:39:020:39:06

-They're all English fans as well.

0:39:060:39:09

-They tell us they hated him

-all their lives...

0:39:090:39:13

-..until he came to play for Sale.

0:39:130:39:15

-It's been good.

0:39:150:39:16

-The final whistle. Victory for Sale.

0:39:220:39:25

-The perfect finale

-for the scrum-half from Wales.

0:39:250:39:28

-It's an afternoon of goodbyes

-and an emotional one at that.

0:39:300:39:34

-It was nice to get a victory.

0:39:370:39:39

-The game went well.

0:39:390:39:41

-The ref was hopeless.

0:39:420:39:44

-I enjoyed it.

0:39:440:39:46

-When I came off,

-everyone was clapping.

0:39:470:39:51

-I had to keep it all in.

0:39:520:39:54

-It was nice. I'm pleased to finish

-and the time's right.

0:39:540:39:58

-As his career ends,

-he's surrounded by friends.

0:39:590:40:03

-Playing in England

-but Welsh in their hearts.

0:40:030:40:07

-I'm not sure if words can

-describe Mike - one of the best.

0:40:090:40:13

-When I joined the Wales squad,

-he was at the top of his game.

0:40:130:40:17

-He helped me and the others so much.

0:40:170:40:19

-Rugby's odd, both teams want to win

-but once the whistle is blown...

0:40:200:40:25

-..we'll never see Mike

-playing again.

0:40:250:40:28

-Good luck to him in the future.

0:40:280:40:31

-The Irishman -

-enemies on the pitch for so long...

0:40:310:40:36

-..but now friends.

0:40:360:40:37

-Before Mike arrived at the club,

-my impressions of him...

0:40:390:40:43

-..were probably not the best.

0:40:430:40:45

-I've sat next to him

-in the changing room for a year.

0:40:460:40:49

-We've become good mates.

0:40:490:40:51

-It's a pity we didn't make

-that friendship happen sooner.

0:40:510:40:55

-It's just the nature of the game.

0:40:550:40:57

-You knew if you could rattle

-Mike Phillips...

0:40:570:41:00

-..you could win the game.

0:41:010:41:03

-He was always a target.

0:41:030:41:04

-That's just the mark of the guy...

0:41:050:41:07

-..the respect we had for him

-and what a great player he was.

0:41:070:41:10

-Like I said, he's a top guy,

-a credit to himself...

0:41:110:41:14

-..his family

-and to the game of rugby.

0:41:140:41:16

-What about that try?

0:41:170:41:19

-He probably agrees although

-he hasn't admitted it publicly.

0:41:210:41:25

-It shouldn't have stood

-but it's in the record books.

0:41:250:41:29

-You had a standing ovation.

-What did you think of that?

0:41:290:41:34

-Not just everyone here

-but everyone across the world!

0:41:340:41:38

-It was nice.

0:41:390:41:41

-I enjoyed it and it was nice

-to get the victory.

0:41:410:41:45

-I'm going to have a couple of pints

-tonight, a glass of wine...

0:41:450:41:50

-..and everything else too.

0:41:500:41:52

-Centre of attention

-for one last time.

0:41:520:41:56

-No-one will want a photo tomorrow.

0:41:570:41:59

-I'll enjoy tonight.

0:41:590:42:01

-Time to celebrate.

0:42:110:42:13

-An opportunity to relax.

0:42:130:42:15

-An opportunity to be Mike.

0:42:150:42:17

-I was playing 10, 7, 8.

-Did you play today?

0:42:300:42:32

-The final rugby shirt

-I'll ever wear, the boots too.

0:42:350:42:39

-It's very special.

-We have to go upstairs now.

0:42:400:42:44

-My rugby career is over.

-I don't think it's sunk in yet.

0:42:480:42:53

-I'm ready for it though.

0:42:540:42:57

-Well, well, said Will to the wall

-but the wall didn't answer Will.

0:43:140:43:18

-Mike brings with him that humour,

-that humility...

0:43:480:43:52

-..and Mike will go

-into his retirement...

0:43:520:43:56

-..and be as successful

-as he was in his playing career.

0:43:560:44:01

-His rugby career is over

-but new opportunities arise.

0:44:010:44:05

-Opportunities to give

-something back.

0:44:050:44:08

-I've worked with charities

-such as Follow Your Dreams...

0:44:080:44:12

-..Breast Cancer Care Wales.

0:44:130:44:16

-Tonight, Amy joined me.

0:44:160:44:19

-She's my greatest supporter.

0:44:190:44:22

-She's a legend, a character.

0:44:220:44:24

-I'm looking forward to working

-more with those charities.

0:44:250:44:30

-As rugby players, we're very lucky.

0:44:310:44:34

-Everyone wants an autograph

-and that's great...

0:44:340:44:38

-..but some people out there

-are living difficult lives.

0:44:380:44:42

-It's important that rugby players

-and footballers...

0:44:440:44:48

-..or whatever sport, it's important

-for people like that to help out.

0:44:480:44:53

-It's difficult to put it into words.

-It's been very emotional today.

0:44:590:45:03

-I'm ready for it.

0:45:040:45:06

-Today's been brilliant,

-I had a great reception at the end.

0:45:060:45:11

-I'm so pleased with that.

0:45:110:45:13

-I can go away

-and start a new chapter.

0:45:130:45:16

-I know the time is right.

0:45:160:45:18

-I'm ready for it and it's brilliant.

0:45:180:45:21

-I'm looking forward to the future.

0:45:220:45:24

-On my boots it said

-'I did it my way'.

0:45:300:45:33

-I think I did.

0:45:340:45:37

-It was a dream to play for Wales,

-a dream to play professional rugby.

0:45:370:45:42

-I'm very grateful for that.

0:45:430:45:46

-I don't look back with any regrets.

0:45:460:45:49

-I'm lucky to have been able

-to do it my way.

0:45:490:45:54

-I look back with a lot of fondness.

0:45:550:45:59

-I'm very grateful too.

0:45:590:46:02

-A final tick of the clock.

0:46:080:46:11

-Now, like then,

-rugby is just for fun.

0:46:120:46:15

-What's next for the scrum-half

-from Bancyfelin?

0:46:150:46:18

-I'm looking forward to spending time

-with family and friends.

0:46:210:46:25

-I'm looking forward to waking up

-on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday...

0:46:250:46:30

-..with no pressure on my shoulders.

0:46:300:46:33

-I'm looking forward

-to getting married in the summer...

0:46:340:46:38

-..and starting a family.

0:46:380:46:40

-There might be a new Mike Phillips

-playing for Wales in the future.

0:46:410:46:45

-Cheers.

0:46:460:46:47

-Go on, Michael.

0:46:530:46:55

-S4C Subtitles by Adnod Cyf.

0:47:290:47:31

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