Phillips is finally finding rhythm again after bad year at Ospreys
AS LONDON Welsh prepare to reveal new investors, fleet-footed winger Kristian Phillips has voiced his relief at escaping from Wales after a disappointing year with the Ospreys.
After seeing off a recent winding-up order, Exiles chairman Bleddyn Phillips is expected to provide details of a new Californian-based consortium at a fans forum tomorrow night.
Former Wales 7s star Kristian, 25, insists it is full steam ahead, telling The
Rugby Paper: “We can’t control the off-field stuff and we’ve just focused on sticking together, but I’m confident about the future and there’s positive stuff coming out of the club.
“Personally, it’s been a breath of fresh air coming here. I’d been involved with the regions for a few years but was out of the Ospreys team and last season was a disappointment.
“Last summer went well and I had a good pre-season followed by a couple of Pro12 games at the start, but it didn’t go as I wanted after that and I was fortunate to get away with Wales 7s and test myself against some of the game’s best players.
“But, to be honest, I signed for Welsh in January and couldn’t wait to get back to 15s here. It’s been excellent getting over the bridge and out of Wales to have a fresh start.”
With the club’s future seemingly secure, Phillips is targeting a place in the play-offs and promotion to the Premiership as he bids for a return to top-flight rugby.
He said: “I’ve signed for two years and we’ve definitely set our sights on the play-offs. After that it’s game by game, but we’re an ambitious squad and I’d like to think I’ve got a future in the top-flight, with Welsh going on to bigger and better things.”
With former Wales centre Sonny Parker stepping up from team manager to backs coach, Phillips finds himself reunited with a man who helped shape his career.
He added: “As a kid, I watched Sonny play and was fortunate to play a few games with him at Ospreys. I learned so much and he’s been excellent so far.
“He knows his rugby and we’re a side that wants to score tries. We scored nine in our first two games, so if we can carry on playing that way we’ll be pleased.
“Sonny’s relished the opportunity he’s been given – his training sessions are short, sharp and very accurate and he knows exactly what he wants from us.
“We want to be a team that’s known for throwing the ball around, but at the same time we can go back to basics and play through the forwards if it’s needed.”