Rugby News . . . from PembrokeshireSport.co.uk

Ifan’s following in the family’s footsteps

Ifan Phillips is a talented 15 year old rugby player from Crymych who is the third member of the family to wear the No 2 jersey as he follows dad Kevin and big brother Dafydd as a hooker.  Ifan has been involved in the county set up from the start of his rugby playing as a ten year old, and with the Crymych RFC junior team which has swept all before them since that time.

Like a lot of aspiring rugby players, Ifan started out in the back garden of the family home, with every support from mum Iola and dad Kevin, the well-known Welsh international hooker, who was also one of the most successful captains in the long and distinguished history of Neath RFC.

Scarlets’ Under 16s

Dafydd is already an established member of the Scarlets’ Youth squad and Ifan has this season broken into the development saved for under 16s at Parc y Scarlets after attending several trials before reaching the final 30 youngsters from all over West Wales.

The early trials were held in Carmarthen and then in Llanelli, and now Ifan has to travel to train on Mondays and Wednesdays, working at skill levels, scrummaging and lineout work, plus conditioning (fitness and weights) on Friday evenings.  It means a real commitment to the cause but Ifan is lucky to have lots of family support.

So far the Scarlets under 16s have beaten the Dragons, Blues North and North Wales; losing out to the Ospreys and Blues South – and Ifan is looking to stake a regular place in the starting line up.

Early start

Ifan started out in his rugby at Ysgol y Frenni Junior School and then in Ysgol y Preseli with Mr Marc Lloyd and Mr Gethin Vobe.  He also joined the Crymych junior team which his dad helped to coach and at that time he was playing in the centre before switching to hooker at under 13, and taking to it like a duck to water.  He was part of the Crymych junior team which won the county tournament from age eight upwards and when they played in the under 15s final last season he scored two of their tries!

It is a similar story at county level because Ifan made the transition to hooker and last season was coached by Neil Machin, Jonathan Evans and Mr Kevin Phillips. Again he showed his willingness to work hard and show total commitment to the cause!

Future hopes

Ask Ifan about his future hopes and he would say that his first step is to cement a regular spot for the No 2 jersey with the Scarlets.  His more long-term ambition would be to become a professional rugby player and he is ready to work hard to achieve that aim.

He will certainly receive typically strong family support and there is no doubt that we are sure to hear lots more about Ifan Phillips and his rugby aspirations in years to come!