British & Irish Lions star Mike Phillips has denied suggestions he is ready to retire from international rugby.
The scrum-half hinted that he could walk away from the Test arena after the Lions secured a 2-1 series victory over Australia.
He is out of contract with Bayonne at the end of next season and expressed fears that his international career could affect future contracts.
But Phillips insists he will not turn his back on Wales and he is already eyeing the 2015 Rugby World Cup and even the 2017 Lions tour of New Zealand.
“I am still as hungry as ever,” said Phillips.
“This could have been my last Lions tour so I wanted to make the most of it.
“I want to achieve things and to nail certain things in my career. The 2017 tour is achievable but first is the World Cup.
“It’s a big goal of mine to make that and I really want to go into the tournament as number one.
“I think I am still improving and I’ve not peaked.”
The 30-year-old has flourished under Warren Gatland and has been a mainstay of three RBS 6 Nations titles since the Kiwi took the helm.
And he admits he owes a huge amount to the Wales coaching staff, who have all been involved in previous Lions tours.
“I get on really well with Rob (Howley), Shaun (Edwards) and Warren,” said Phillips.
“The first day they came in and spoke, I was on the edge of my seat listening.
“They’ve been a massive part of my career and gave me an opportunity at the start. I feel comfortable with the coaches and that has helped me on the pitch.
“I’ve massive respect for them and what they achieved as players and coaches and I don’t want to let them down.
“They’ve been good to me and but as I’ve told them I have been good to them!”
