Phillips relishing new challenge

Scarlets hooker Emyr Phillips, one of a number of new caps included in Robin McBryde’s Wales squad to tour Japan, is looking forward to challenges that lie ahead in the Orient.

Wales will take on Japan on the two-test tour and Phillips is relishing the opportunity of making his mark in his new environment.

Having joined the Scarlets in 2008 Phillips has faced tough competition with internationals Matthew Rees and Ken Owens also challenging for the same position.

Since making his regional debut against Ulster back in May 2009 Phillips has gone on to make 71 appearances for the Scarlets and is looking forward to pushing on in the new season with former captain Rees joining fellow Welsh region Cardiff Blues.

Llandovery born Phillips said: “Since joining the Scarlets I’ve faced tough competition but I really hope I can get more game time in the coming season.

“Myself and Ken (Owens) have played in the same position and on the same team for ten years or so now. I will try to push him as much as possible next season. I’d obviously like to be involved week in week out.

“Kirby (Myhill) is also hot on our heels and there are always youngsters coming through the academy. Easters (Head Coach Simon Easterby) has shown that he is prepared to make selection based on performances and I have to keep working hard at my game.

“I’d much rather be in this position knowing that there’s a very competitive group of hookers pushing each other than knowing that your guaranteed your place every week. Having to work that little bit harder at it ensures that we’re competitive in training and not sitting back and resting on our laurels.”

Phillips will travel to Japan with fellow Scarlets players Rhodri Jones, Rob McCusker, Tavis Knoyle, Liam Williams, newly included Adam Warren and Steven Shingler who will return to the Scarlets for the new season.

Head Coach Robin McBryde has selected a young squad which includes a number of new caps for the two-test tour to Japan, Phillips went on to say: “It’s a very fresh squad with a strong emphasis on young players coming through.

“The coaches made it clear from the very beginning that we weren’t included just to ride the wave, we’re all expected to bring something new to the squad and make our mark.”

Japan are currently ranked 14th in the world and hooker Phillips believes they will be a tough challenge for Wales, he said: “We’re not expecting them to be pushovers. It’s going to be a tough challenge but that’s exactly what we want as a new squad.

“We want to win the games and we’ve set high targets for ourselves. I want as much game time as possible and hopefully will leave my mark.”

Wales Squad:

Forwards: Ryan Bevington (Ospreys), Rhys Gill (Saracens), Sam Hobbs (Blues), Emyr Phillips (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Scott Andrews (Blues), Craig Mitchell (Exeter Chiefs), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Bradley Davies (Blues), Lou Reed (Blues), Andrew Coombs (Dragons), James King (Ospreys), Dan Baker (Ospreys), Rob McCusker (Scarlets), Andries Pretorius (Blues), Josh Navidi (Blues).

Backs: Lloyd Williams (Blues), Tavis Knoyle (Scarlets), Dan Biggar (Ospreys), Ashley Beck (Ospreys), Owen Williams (Blues), Jonathan Spratt (Ospreys), Dafydd Howells (Ospreys), Liam Williams (Scarlets), Harry Robinson (Blues), Tom Prydie (Dragons), Steven Shingler (London Irish), Adam Warren (Scarlets)