Phillips: I’m at Sale determined to win more silverware

SIGNED primarily for his brute strength and ballast, Sale newcomer James Phillips is also keen to show he can play a bit too.

The 6ft 4ins, 20-stone lock provided one of the highlights of last season when his bullocking run for Bath saw him skittle three Worcester defenders on his way to the try line.

And Sharks boss Steve Diamond admitted that his physical attributes would be perfect for the winter months when the going gets tough.

But the 30-year-old was also enticed to the north west by the prospect of challenging for silverware and developing his allround game.

“I’ve always looked to adapt my game wherever I’ve been. I started off as an athletic No.8 and then added some grunt to my game,” said Phillips, who was released by Bath at the end of a one-year deal.

“But along with all the mauling and pushing, you’ve still got to be able to catch and pass and we’re doing a lot of skill work in training with Deacs (attack coach Paul Deacon) on those basics.

“Having played against them and watched them, I know Sale like to play an exciting style of rugby and I am really excited to be a part of that.

“I thought my game improved a lot while I was at Bath and the hope is that I can keep on improving here.”

An LV= Cup winner with Exeter, Phillips believes he can claim some more silverware at a club going places.

“Dimes doesn’t want Sale to be a mid-table team, he wants the club to strive for better things,” he said.

“Any player wants to win things, and to be a part of a successful team. I think Sale are going in that direction.”

As a proud Bristolian, Phillips is backing his hometown team to survive in 2018/19.

“I think they have got a good chance of staying up. They have obviously recruited very heavily but you don’t get a proper idea until the first game.

“It is a long season and a big challenge compared to what they faced in the Championship, where they can rest players here and there, so it’ll be interesting to see how they go.”