Wales rugby star's street attack

Mike Phillips suffered facial injuries in the assault

Wales rugby international Mike Phillips was attacked while on a night out in Cardiff early on Sunday.

The 26-year-old scrum-half, who has 33 caps for his country, was taken to hospital but left after a check-up.

The 6ft 3in, 16 st (101kg) player, who is recovering from surgery on a knee injury, was assaulted in Mill Lane in the city centre at about 0415 BST.

His club, the Swansea-based Ospreys, said he did not suffer permanent injuries. Police are investigating.

A crowd is said to have gathered around the injured player after the incident.

A spokesman for the Ospreys said confirmed the scrum-half was attacked early on Sunday morning.

"He was subsequently taken to hospital as a precautionary measure and, following a check-up, was discharged from medical care.

'Tracing the suspect'

"He did not sustain any permanent injuries."

The spokesman added: "The matter has now been reported to the police and we await the outcome of their investigations."

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: "A 26-year-old man was assaulted in the Mill Lane area of Cardiff city centre at around 4.15am on Sunday, 19 October.

"He was taken to hospital with facial injuries. Inquiries are ongoing in relation to tracing the suspect."

Phillips, who is a former Cardiff Blues and Scarlets player, was not fit to play for Ospreys in their victory over Perpignan in Swansea on Saturday due to the knee injury he suffered in March.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version