Phillips wants rebirth of Ospreys galacticos

KRISTIAN Phillips hopes the takeover of the Ospreys by an Asian media group can return the region to the heights he experienced during his time at the club.

- ADAME LLIS

Y11 Sports & Media last month acquired a 75.1 per cent controlling stake in Welsh rugby’s ailing region and got Phillips dreaming of another ‘Galacticos’ era.

As an all-international Ospreys outfit lifted a third Celtic League (PRO10) title in five years to open the last decade, Phillips was just beginning a career which looked destined for the top after being capped at U16, U18 and U20 level for Wales.

“I grew up in Neath, learned my trade with the Ospreys and I think I still have the record for the youngest player to start and to score for the club in what was then the Magners League in 2008,” Phillips told TRP.

“It was an amazing environment to be in during the time of the galacticos. I was the baby of the group among the likes of James Hook and Lee Byrne. Just being with those players day in, day out when I was young was fantastic.