ICONIC Wales scrum-half Mike Phillips has announced that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old is currently playing for Sale Sharks in the Aviva Premiership but will hang up his boots next month.

A powerful half-back with a fierce competitive streak, Phillips made his Wales debut against Romania in 2003 and went on to win 94 caps for his country plus five for the British and Irish Lions.

He is the most capped scrum-half in Welsh international history – having passed Dwayne Peel in four years ago - and won Grand Slams in 2008 and 2012 plus the Six Nations title in 2013.

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Phillips was a leading figure in the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, scoring a memorable try in the quarter-final win against Ireland, and toured South Africa and Australia with the Lions.

His last Test was against the Irish in the build-up to the 2015 World Cup but he didn’t feature in the tournament despite getting a late call-up courtesy of Rhys Webb’s injury misfortune.

Phillips began his career with Llanelli before playing for Cardiff Blues, the Ospreys, Bayonne, Racing 92 and Sale.

“I would like to announce my retirement as a professional rugby player at the end of this season with Sale Sharks,” the scrum-half Tweeted.

“Thanks to the fans, teammates, clubs, coaches, Wales, the Lions, friends and family who have supported me over the years.

“I will attack the next chapters with the same passion, commitment and laughter as I did during my entire career.”