He is a player who always makes an impression on the rugby field and often creates headlines off the field too - but who is the real Mike Phillips?
An S4C programme about the Bayonne, Wales and Lions scrum-half entitled Mike Phillips 009 on Thursday, 2 February reveals the more personal, sensitive side of the lad from Bancyfelin in Carmarthenshire.
The 29-year-old rugby star moved to French club Bayonne in the Basque region of the Atlantic Pyrénées in the summer and S4C cameras have been following him as he settles in a new country and impresses with a club fighting to remain in the top flight of Le Championnat de France this season.
The programme includes a series of exclusive interviews with Mike Phillips as he talks openly about his new life on the continent and his hopes for his rugby career.
He reveals he has enjoyed his time playing for three different Welsh regions - the Scarlets, Blues and Ospreys - but says he will never play rugby again in Wales other than in his country's jersey.
"I came over here from Wales to another country to make a new start… it's great to experience something different, a different style of rugby ... but I've heard there's quite a bit of money out here too!" jokes Mike Phillips.
But he also talks candidly about certain incidents in his life that have attracted media attention as a result of being in the rugby limelight. He speaks tenderly about his relationship and enduring friendship with Welsh pop singer Duffy.
Producer Russell Isaac of Sports Media Services said, "I've worked with Mike on various filming projects for six years and have come to know him quite well. He's a likeable guy, who always has an honest opinion and is always professional in his work.
"This programme is a portrayal of a straight-talking man from the country who has sometimes attracted headlines for the wrong reasons. He knows that he has something of a reputation as a bad boy, but knows he has to plan ahead to avoid situations that can lead to trouble."
Among the contributors is Dafydd Jones, the former Wales back-row, who has been a close friend of Mike's for many years. He says that Mike has a "simple approach to life - he likes to enjoy himself on the rugby field and off it."
Another contributor to the programme is New Zealand winger Joe Rokocoko, who also plays for Bayonne. Joe Rokocoko says, "I remember him in the Wales Under 19s, he stood up to me and had a loud mouth. He's big time now after the World Cup… and we both want to bring that winning hunger into this team."
