Mike Phillips is back at it with his criticism of Warren Gatland, firing a metaphorical stray bullet at the Wales coach on the social media site, X, on Tuesday.
This is the second time within just a month that the former Welsh scrumhalf has expressed his frustrations about his former coach. In November he accused Gatland of chasing the money at Wales, saying: “You’re on 600k a year and don’t even have to win! How the WRU bring this guy back is just nuts! Laughing all the way to the bank.”
The outspoken Welshman has clearly not changed his mind within the past 31 days. This time, responding to a quote by La Rochelle head coach, Ronan O’Gara in which the Irishman said that he would rather coach England, Ireland, or France over Wales.
I don’t think he realises, if you coach Wales you get £600k a year for losing every game! Who wouldn’t take that! 🤔 Plus if you win a few, you get some gates named after you! pic.twitter.com/jOOgGoSq1D
— Mike Phillips (@mikephillips009) December 10, 2024
In response to his former rivals’ comments, Phillips fired a stray at Gatland, saying: “I don’t think he realises, if you coach Wales you get £600k a year for losing every game! Who wouldn’t take that! Plus if you win a few, you get some gates named after you!”
Responding to one fan’s suggestion that his comments were unfair, Phillips doubled down and indicated that if the fan had met Gatland, he may think differently also.
Phillips, who spent seven years in Welsh camps under Gatland’s tutelage in addition to two British and Irish Lions tours in 2009 and 2013, clearly feels no affinity to his former coach, previously saying: “When I see this guy talking about family makes me cringe. Did he speak to me at the end of my career, did he f! I won for this guy. This bloke is only out for himself, and it kills me to see all this bullshit praise he’s getting. He deserves to be kicked out, like he did to so many quality Welsh players.”
It has not been an easy ride for Gatland this time around, particularly when compared to his previous tenure in charge of Wales when Phillips was a big part of his operation, but the verdict is clearly split on his current suitability for the role heading into 2025.
Watch the highly acclaimed five-part documentary Chasing the Sun 2, chronicling the journey of the Springboks as they strive to successfully defend the Rugby World Cup, free on RugbyPass TV (*unavailable in Africa)
Sign In