Welsh Rugby Union clears Mike Phillips to participate in RWC 2011- Rugby News
Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) has given Mike Phillips the green light to participate in the forthcoming Rugby World Cup 2011. The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 28 by the Head Coach, Warren Gatland.
Earlier, the scrum-half was banned for two weeks by the union following his late night run un with the law. The Welsh star was held by the local Cardiff police and a picture was publicised in the newspapers which showed him being rebuked by security officers.
The WRU banned the player immediately after the incident for an indefinite period.
However, Welsh Rugby Union announced this morning that Phillips has been cleared from the allegation after he apologised and assured the union that he would not indulge in such activities in the future. WRU further announced that the star was not arrested
by the police and was released after a minor investigation.
According to the statement released by Gatland along with manager Alan Phillips and assistant coach Rob Howley, they met the accused player on Monday and discussed the matter with him. Mike Phillips took responsibility of the incident and left matters to
the official’s discretions.
Warren Gatland told the media today on June 28 about last night’s meeting and said, "Mike clearly breached the disciplinary code of conduct we have in place and was dealt with decisively and properly. We have taken into account all the relevant issues and
Mike's apology in taking the decision to reinstate him in the extended RWC squad.”
The chief executive of Welsh Rugby Union, Roger Lewis, also spoke on the occasion and made his stance clear. He said that WRU wants to concentrate fully on the preparations for the fast approaching Rugby World Cup 2011 and no on-field or off-field breach
of conduct will be entertained in the future. He added that, "The message is now abundantly clear that we represent certain standards which will be maintained at all times both on and off the field of play. The Welsh rugby public expect it and deserve it."
Mike Phillips is a veteran player for Wales with 52 International caps for his team. His return to the Welsh side will boost their performance in the upcoming rugby RWC 2011.
Tags: