Phillips hoping for fresh start

2014-15 wasn’t kind to Llandovery born and bred hooker Emyr Phillips suffering two shoulder injuries within the space of four months.

Three months on from his second shoulder dislocation and Phillips is feeling fighting fit and raring to go for the new Guinness PRO12 season that kicks off against champions Glasgow in just under six weeks time.

Speaking at the Royal Welsh Show last week Phillips said: “Glasgow will be losing a lot of players to the World Cup themselves. We could look at it as a good start in a way, playing the teams who have a lot of boys away.

“There are no easy games anymore. The Italian teams are hard teams to beat these days. If we can get a good September, aim to be in the top four we’ll be in a good position when the boys come back. If we can get some points on the board early it’ll give us confidence, it makes a huge difference.”

Phillips could be forgiven for feeling downbeat after seven months of rehabilitation however a competitive edge amongst the injured group at the Scarlets is ensuring confidence is high says the international hooker; “We’ve had a good injured group. Pete [Edwards] is keeping morale nice and high.

“The boys push each other quite hard and we never have an easy session. It’s been good; hopefully I can get back in the mix with the first time this week.”

With his fellow international hooker and Scarlets teammate Ken Owens away on World Cup duty Phillips will be looking to make his mark early on at the region with a strong contingent of young local talent snapping at their heels. He went on to say; “There are a lot of young hookers coming through ensuring that there’s plenty of competition at the Scarlets.

“Hopefully I can have a fresh start this year. I feel good, I’m on plan and on schedule.”