Tuesday 21 November 2017 17:05, UK
Mike Phillips will make a shock return to club rugby after being called out of retirement by the Scarlets for their Guinness PRO14 fixtures in South Africa.
The 35-year-old former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half retired at the end of last season after spending the year at Sale Sharks.
The Scarlets are without 15 senior players, who are on international duty, including scrum halves Gareth Davies and Aled Davies who are currently in Warren Gatland's Wales squad for the autumn series.
Declan Smith picked up an ankle injury during the Scarlets' Anglo-Welsh Cup clash with Exeter, leaving Jonathan Evans as the only available No 9 for the double-header in South Africa.
Phillips, who played 94 Tests for Wales and five for the British and Irish Lions, will add some much-needed experience to the beleaguered Scarlets squad for their games against the Southern Kings and the Cheetahs.
Commenting on the call-up, head coach Wayne Pivac told the club's official website: "We are delighted that Mike has been able to answer the call and will be joining us in South Africa. He has a wealth of experience, is a proud former Scarlet and will be a great addition to our travelling squad.
"It's just been one of those things. We only have one of our four contracted scrum halves available through injury and international call-ups.
"We looked at the nines available to us within the region, and Welsh qualified players in the Championship, but they were unable to travel due to work commitments and club commitments."
