“Hello, Mike Phillips?”
“Yes, Mike here.”
“Emmm… it’s Warren.”
It looked as though Phillips would be stranded on 99 Test caps after Warren Gatland cut him from his World Cup squad.
The 33-year-old scrum-half is now back in Wales’ squad after Rhys Webb’s foot and knee injuries ruled him out for the upcoming tournament.
The wretched injury news comes on the back of Leigh Halfpenny’s withdrawal from the squad, due to a cruciate injury.
Squad update: Scrum-half Rhys Webb has been ruled out of @rugbyworldcup with foot injury. Further examination on foot and knee to come
— Welsh Rugby Union 🏴 (@WelshRugbyUnion) September 8, 2015
In a statement, Webb said:
‘Really disappointed to be ruled out of the RWC. After all the hard work I’ve put in over the summer words can’t describe how I’m feeling.
‘I really believe that Wales can go on and create something special. I appreciate all the messages. It’s great to have so much support from all around the world but let’s get behind the boys. See you in 2016.’
Gatland has now called Phillips and Ospreys winger Eli Walker, who can also play fullback, into their squad.
Phillips, who plies his trade with Racing 92, looked set to be finished on the international scene. Gatland played him in the 35-21 warm-up defeat to Ireland before trimming him from his wider tournament panel.
The 33-year-old had been back-up to Webb during the Six Nations but may now be elevated to a starting role.
