Meanwhile, Scarlets coach Gareth Jenkins praised his under 21’s squad for providing the first team with an abundance of talent over recent season’s – and sees the current crop as an integral part of the future of Llanelli’s new regional set-up.
” We are delighted with how well the U21’s structure has worked over the last three or four years, not least have they been playing excellent rugby and won the trophy this year, but they have supplied seven or eight players to the Llanelli as well as a couple to Wales in Dwayne and Dafydd Jones,” said Jenkins.
“Our only hope is that the WRU get hold of this tournament, set a proper structure and don’t let it die out next year.
” We are struggling to announce a side to play Neath and will put this off until Friday with 7 players now with Wales, including Martyn Madden and Chris Wyatt who have been called in to train with the squad in Tenby this week.
“Four players are away on international duty, in the USA and Ireland, and five players are on the current injury list including recent casualties Leigh Davies, Barry Davies and Matthew Watkins.
“On a happy note we can confirm Wayne Proctor will play his 300th and final game for Llanelli before being taken on by our new region as a full time fitness coach next season. “
Phillips Ready For World Stage
Llanelli’s highly rated Wales under 21 scrum-half Mike Phillips lifted the Welsh under 21 league trophy today and has now set his sights on helping his country make an impact at the junior Rugby World Cup in England this summer.
Phillips wants to continue his career at under 21 level against the best in the world before his seemingly inevitable rise to senior international status.
“It’s been a long old season for the U21’s side even though I missed a few games at the start, but I’ve played about 60 per cent of the matches and its briliant to be lifting a trophy,” said Phillips.
“We have a lot of good young talent at Llanellil, with me and a couple of the boys already coming through and getting involved with the first team
“It’s nice when people say good things about you and tell you you’re playing well and I’ve been getting plenty of plaudits this season. But you have to put all of that to the back or your head and just enjoy playing and keep trying to get better.
“I came to Llanelli from Whitland Youth and am enjoying getting out there for the first team as well as competing for Wales at U21 level.
“We have a World Cup to look forward to with the U21’s in June and we want to follow through on the momentum we have built with the Grand Slam in this season’s Six Nations.
“In that respect it would almost be a shame to be called upon by the Wales senior side anytime soon, although that is obviously a dream for me.”
Phillips is currently third choice scrum-half in the Llanelli squad, but is getting more and more games for the club as the season draws to a close.
“At the moment I’m just trying to fight my way to the front at club level,” he added.
“I’ve learnt a lot from Guy (Easterby) and Dwayne (Peel) already and they are both top class players – but deep down I’m hoping Guy won’t be around forever and maybe Dwayne will get busy with Wales and then I’ll get the nod for Llanelli.
“But, I’m still only 20 and there is plenty of time for me yet, I should have at least 10 years ahead of me and if I get anywhere near acheiving what the likes of Guy and Dwayne have – I’ll be happy with that.”
