Former Wales and Lions scrum-half reflects on drink-driving incident, family, and the state of Welsh rugby in Y Cyfweliad

FORMER Wales rugby star Mike Phillips has spoken openly about some of the most difficult moments of his life in a new episode of Y Cyfweliad on S4C, describing the emotional toll of past mistakes and the impact they had on his family.

The programme, which airs on Tuesday (Jan 6) at 9.00pm, features Phillips as the second guest in the new Welsh-language series, which is based on the internationally acclaimed format The A-Talks (also known as The Assembly).

Y Cyfweliad brings together a group of 30 autistic, neurodivergent and/or learning-disabled interviewers who question a well-known public figure without restriction, resulting in candid and often deeply personal conversations.

During the interview, Phillips speaks frankly about moments off the pitch that tested him the most, including having to tell his parents that he had been caught drink-driving.

He described the incident as one of the worst things he has ever done.

“I was so angry with myself because it’s one of the worst things I’ve done,” he said.

“I broke down with Mum and Dad and felt like I’d let people down. But I was very lucky that nothing bad happened.”

When asked about the last time he cried, Phillips returned to that period, reflecting on the emotional weight of disappointing his parents and the lasting impact it had on him.

The programme also explores his upbringing on a farm in Carmarthenshire, his life living in Dubai, and his views on the current state of Welsh rugby.

Phillips won 99 international caps for Wales, represented the British & Irish Lions, and between 2008 and 2013 was widely regarded as one of the best scrum-halves in world rugby.

Speaking about the challenges facing the national side today, he said: “We all know the situation – it’s difficult. We’re a small country, but it’s important that we have a national team that competes, even if it’s not always successful.

“They play with heart because they represent us all, and that gives people such a boost.”

The episode concludes with a moving performance of Calon Lân by the interviewers, bringing the conversation to an emotional close.

Y Cyfweliad – Mike Phillips will be available on S4C, S4C Clic and BBC iPlayer from Tuesday (Jan 6) at 9.00pm. Also appearing in the series are Bronwen Lewis and Elin Fflur. The first episode, featuring Dafydd Iwan, is already available on demand. English subtitles are available.

From coastal 10Ks to mountain ultras, Wales is set for another landmark year of mass-participation sport

WALES will once again take centre stage on the endurance sports map in 2026, with a packed calendar of running, triathlon, cycling and trail events stretching from the coastline to the mountains of Eryri.

The programme, delivered by the R4W group – Run 4 Wales and Always Aim High Events – offers something for all abilities, from first-time runners and junior athletes to experienced endurance competitors chasing personal bests or bucket-list challenges.

With events spread across North, Mid and South Wales, organisers say the calendar reflects the country’s unique landscapes while continuing to attract thousands of participants and spectators into Welsh towns and communities throughout the year.

The season begins on 15 February with the Nick Beer Llandudno 10K, a scenic road race starting on the town’s Victorian promenade before looping around the Great Orme, offering sweeping views across Eryri, Anglesey and the Irish Sea.

Early-season road runners will also be drawn to the Jones O Gymru Anglesey Half Marathon and 10K on 1 March, a popular undulating course flanked by views of Snowdonia and the Menai Straits, often favoured by athletes chasing early-year personal bests.

Spring continues with the ABP Newport Marathon Festival on 19 April, featuring marathon, half marathon, 10K and mile races on one of Europe’s flattest courses, before the focus shifts to the coast for the Barry Island 10K on 17 May, known for its strong crowd support and festival atmosphere.

Trail and mountain runners are particularly well catered for in 2026. The Ogwen Yr Helgi Du on 12 April offers skyrunning distances of 15K, 25K and 40K through the Ogwen Valley, while July delivers two of the toughest challenges on the calendar.

The Black Diamond Yr Wyddfa | Snowdon 24 on 11–12 July challenges competitors to climb and descend Wales’ highest mountain as many times as possible within 24 hours, while the Snowdonia Trail Marathon Eryri, running across the same weekend, offers distances from 10K to ultra marathon on demanding mountain terrain.

Further south, the Rabbit Run Wales on 18 July provides a contrasting coastal trail experience, combining dunes, woodland, river crossings and the Big Dipper – the highest sand dune in Wales.

Triathlon and multisport events again feature prominently, led by the Slateman Triathlon and Duathlon on 14 June, starting in Llanberis. Widely regarded as one of Wales’ most iconic races, it combines demanding climbs with dramatic mountain scenery and has previously been listed among the world’s top triathlons.

The coastal Wild Horse Brewing Co. Llandudno Triathlon and Duathlon follows on 28 June, featuring sea swims by the pier and closed-road cycling around Marine Drive, while the notoriously tough Snowman returns on 26 July, billed as one of the UK’s most challenging multi-terrain events.

Cyclists will take to the roads on 23 August for the Tour de Mon, a mass-participation sportive around Anglesey, before attention turns to the capital in September.

The Cardiff 10K on 6 September has rapidly become one of the UK’s largest races of its kind, while the Cardiff Half Marathon on 4 October, part of the SuperHalfs Series, continues to draw elite and amateur runners alike. The weekend also includes the Cardiff Half Junior events on 3 October, offering accessible races for children and families.

The season closes on 1 November with the Anglesey Trail Half Marathon, set in the surroundings of Newborough Forest and Traeth Llanddwyn, an area with a long history of endurance running.

Among the calendar, the Brecon Carreg Porthcawl 10K on 5 July stands out as one of the most geographically accessible events in Wales, drawing runners from across the country thanks to its central South Wales location and coastal setting.

With events running from February through to November, the 2026 calendar underlines Wales’ growing reputation as a destination for endurance sport, combining challenging routes with some of the country’s most recognisable landscapes.

Further information on individual events and entry details is available at www.run4wales.org/events.

HAVERFORDWEST RFC produced a dominant Boxing Day display as they swept aside Llangwm 49–7 to retain the Bishops Cup in front of a large festive crowd.

The traditional holiday fixture once again proved a highlight of the local rugby calendar, with Llangwm RFC praised for their hospitality as supporters from both clubs turned out in force for the annual contest.

Haverfordwest were in control from the opening exchanges, combining pace and precision to build a commanding lead and run in seven tries over the course of the match. Llangwm continued to battle throughout and were rewarded with a well-earned try of their own, but the visitors’ strength in depth and organisation told as the game progressed.

The match marked a memorable occasion for two young Haverfordwest players, with Ifan Williams and Liam Hughes both making their senior debuts for the Blues. Williams capped an impressive performance by being named Man of the Match, receiving the award in front of teammates and supporters after the final whistle.

Despite the heavy scoreline, the fixture was played in good spirit and underlined the enduring importance of the Boxing Day clash between the two clubs.

Haverfordwest’s emphatic victory ensures the Bishops Cup remains with the Blues for another year, rounding off the festive programme on a high note.