MIKE PHILLIPS will sign for Top 14 side Racing Métro, the club’s president Jacky Lorenzetti confirmed this afternoon.
The Welshman is expected to begin training with the Parisian club this week, having penned a two-and-a-half year deal. Phillips was sacked by former club Bayonne in October after turning up drunk for a squad video session.
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This move means the 31-year-old links up with Ireland out-half Jonny Sexton in the French capital, rekindling a playing relationship which began with the Lions in Australia during the summer. Racing also have France international Maxime Machenaud on the books, so Phillips may not be an automatic starter.
However, some reports suggest that the Welshman will be involved in the Top 14 side’s Heineken Cup clash with Harlequins in Nantes on Saturday. Phillips played in the Amlin Challenge Cup for Bayonne this season, meaning he is still eligible to feature in Europe’s premier club tournament.
It is understood that Racing president Jacky Lorenzetti and coaches Laurent Travers and Laurent Labit are unhappy with the form of back-up scrum-halves Sébastien Descons, Juan Snyman and Laurent Magnaval this season, making the arrival of the controversial Welsh star understandable.
Rumours of Phillips’ move to Racing first surfaced early last week, although a statement from the club on Wednesday swiftly denied that they had signed the Lions number nine. The same document underlined Lorenzetti’s “excellent relationship” with Bayonne owner Alain Afflelou, but the Racing chief has now been given his friend’s blessing to bring Phillips to Paris.
Still, the likes of Sexton, Jamie Roberts and Juandre Kruger will surely welcome Racing’s decision to bring in a scrum-half who can be world-class on his day.
- Originally posted 10.55
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If McGrath didn’t concede the penalty and gave the ABs possession to attack us? Is that choking too? James’ point as well, Murray kicked the ball away twice when we needed to hold it, is that panicking/choking? Halfpenny hit the post against the Ozs when they needed points, does that make him a choker? No. He’s still the best kicker in the North, bar none. Sexton is arguably the best 10 in the North as well, the fact that we had ROG as kicker before him gets him crucified for every mistake he makes, it’s criminal.
Started every Test for the Lions yet gets so much stick from Irish supporters, reminds me of Burke’s observation that ” the Irish are a very honest people, they never speak well of each other”.
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Be great if it’s true given that Conor Murray was rumoured to be a summer target for Racing.
Is this the same french newspaper that said ruan piennar was joining toulon
God help Johnny having to play with this cheat!
Might be good for Johnny. Phillips might teach him how to perform under pressure.
There’s a reason Sexton’s the highest paid player in France Maurice, we’d be lost without him. Ridiculous comment.
Jack his point stands, if Sexton made that kick last week we had beaten the All Blacks, fine margins!
Sorry Jack but Sexton choked – simple as that. Definitely has not got the temperament for pressure kicks !
and Connor Murray kicking the ball back to the all blacks with a minute to go is completely without blame i suppose???
If McGrath didn’t concede the penalty and gave the ABs possession to attack us? Is that choking too? James’ point as well, Murray kicked the ball away twice when we needed to hold it, is that panicking/choking? Halfpenny hit the post against the Ozs when they needed points, does that make him a choker? No. He’s still the best kicker in the North, bar none. Sexton is arguably the best 10 in the North as well, the fact that we had ROG as kicker before him gets him crucified for every mistake he makes, it’s criminal.
James which was claimed by POC !!
Proof (if proof were needed) that Racing Metro have more money than sense
Bad news for johnny great physical presence but as he’s got older his passing has slowed down
People hate him cos is sexy
People hate him because he’s a tool
People hate me to cos I am sexy it’s a burden I live with. Bit I agree he is a tool
Met him in Cardiff a few times sound lad loves a bit of banter!
Started every Test for the Lions yet gets so much stick from Irish supporters, reminds me of Burke’s observation that ” the Irish are a very honest people, they never speak well of each other”.
I’m sure Phillips was dropped for the second test this summer and got recalled when Gatland went for a more physical approach in the decider
Not Irish supporters only Munster trolls
My comment referred to Sexton.