Phillips hoping to follow in Patchell’s footsteps

The Scarlets are hoping that their latest acquisition from Ysgol Glantaf can develop along similar lines to Welsh international Rhys Patchell.

Talented outside half Josh Phillips has signed a long-term deal to enter the Scarlets Academy and will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of one of his school’s famous alumni to wearing the famous No 10 jersey in Llanelli. Patchell first made the grade at Cardiff Blues before switching to Scarlets and developing his Welsh career.

The 18-year-old Phillips, from Porth, has been part of the Cardiff Blues U16 and U18 regional squads in recent seasons and also played for Rhondda Schools in the Dewar Shield. He was also included in the Wales U18 squad earlier in the year.

“Josh has been on our radar for a while, he used to play for the Cardiff Blues age-grade teams and he played against us in the combined U16s fixture where he stood out. We’ve tracked him ever since,” said Kevin George, the Scarlets development pathway manager.

“The Blues have a couple of outside halves in their mix at the moment and we applied to them to get Josh across to give him the opportunity. We’d like to thank the Blues for allowing him to come to us and, hopefully, he’ll end up going through and building our stock at No 10.

“He’s always been a good runner with a good size about him, he kicks the ball a long way, is a very accurate goal-kicker and his distribution is excellent. The hallmarks are all there.

“We look forward to working with him over the next couple of years and developing him to become the next No 10 at the Scarlets.”

Phillips has already had a taste of life in the famous Scarlets colours. He played for Scarlets U18 during the Regional Age-Grade Championship matches and has also had a run-out for the A team in a training match against Wales U20.

“I’ve already had the chance to learn off some of the senior players and gain some insight into the coaching set-up. I’m really looking forward to taking every opportunity that is offered to me over the next few years,” said Phillips.

“Looking at players such as Jac Morgan and Dan Davis, I hope I can progress in the same pathway through the academy. I know it is going to take a lot of hard work, but hopefully I can put my hand up for any opportunity that comes my way.”

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Source: Welsh Rugby