British & Irish Lions scrum-half Mike Phillips admits he is relishing the chance to take on his former club when the European Cup resumes this weekend.
Currently on a short-term deal at Racing Metro, Phillips will make his home debut for the club against the Scarlets, the first professional club of the Welshman’s distinguished career.
A star in the 2009 Lions defeat against South Africa, the Welshman started the first and third Test victories against the Qantas Wallabies this summer as Warren Gatland’s side made history as the first victorious tourists for 16 years.
But with his focus now back on domestic duties and Racing Metro’s form, Phillips cannot wait to go up against his former employers.
“Playing my first home game for Racing against my first professional club has a nice ring to it,” said Phillips, who is joined by fellow Lions Jonny Sexton and Dan Lydiate in the Parisian club’s starting line-up.
“Growing up as a kid I always supported the Scarlets, even though the club was called Llanelli at the time.
“It’s where I got my start in professional rugby. I had two years in the Llanelli Under-21s and then three seasons in the first team before moving to Cardiff.”
