► Darren Phillips

Name: Darren Phillips

Age: 19

Subject: Material Science and Engineering with a foundation year.

Year of study: Foundation

Sport: Rugby

Position: Second Row

School: Bishop Vaughn School, Swansea

How long have you been participating in your sport?

I have been playing rugby since I was about 10 years old. I started playing for my primary school and my then headmaster put me in touch with the local rugby club Bon-Y-Maen. From there I played for the Swansea Schools Under 11’s and West Wales Under 11’s.

What is your average training schedule over a week?

Once a week I have a training session with the Ospreys focussing on speed, agility, stamina and strength. There are two sessions for the Swansea University 1st team, one session for the Bon-Y-Maen 1st team and one with the Bon-Y-Maen Youth squad. I also try to fit in around three gym sessions a week.

What facilities/kit do you use?

The squad training sessions take place in the various club facilities and I use the gym three times a week. Extras such as protein shakes, recovery supplements, bandages, tape and travel costs are met by my sporting scholarship.

What is your highest achievement in sport?

I was Captain for the Under 16’s for Wales, Captain for Wales Youth side, Wales Schools Squad, Captain of the Crawshays, which is quite prestigious because you are selected for the team based on your overall performance as a player, not through trials like most teams. I am also proud of becoming the first 15 Captain for Bishop Vaughn School.

Do you have a funding or scholarships for playing your sport?

The Sporting Scholarship is the only funding I receive for playing rugby. My parents have been fantastic in the support they have given me. Playing for youth sides is unpaid until you made the squad so having a scholarship has been extremely helpful and it means that I don’t have to work as many hours in my part-time job.

Why did you choose to come to Swansea?

I’ve got everything I need on my doorstep- I have established myself at a good level playing rugby and I am making progress all the time. I was already playing for Wales and the Ospreys and moving to another area would have meant starting again. Also the Materials Engineering course at Swansea is one of the best in the UK, which combined with the excellent facilities and the financial benefits of living at home, were major factors on my decision.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking of studying here?

Make sure you come to see the city and surrounding area, not just the University. Campus is a big part of University life but the surrounding area is so amazing that it really gives the University a unique identity. I really appreciate my free time here, whether I’m surfing or camping in the Gower, there is always somewhere interesting to go.

What is your ambition for the future?

My ambition is to play Rugby at as high a level as possible while completing my studies. I have always dreamed of emigrating to Australia, with a degree I have more opportunities out there. Depending on my rugby to get a Visa would be very risky, their players are in such top condition and I need to know I can support myself.

What support do you get from the university to combine study and training?

My department have been very supportive of my commitment to playing rugby and will be flexible towards time off for matches and training. At the moment everything seems to fit in and if there are any problems the University rugby Captain and the sports scholars’ supervisor, Stan Addicott, are on hand to provide assistance and support.

Do they feel Swansea stands out from other universities in the importance it attaches to sport?

I definitely think that Swansea stands out from other universities in the importance it attaches to sport. There is a major emphasis on sport and you can see that from the wide variety of sports clubs open to students to join. The investment in new facilities demonstrates the status of sport here, and it shows in the high standard of sportsmen and women studying here.

Which sporting figure do you most admire?

Martin Johnson, English/British Lions Captain and plays the same position as me. He is a brilliant leader; no matter what happens on the pitch, he believes in his team. He has a tremendous work ethic and sets an example to all rugby players about never giving up and playing right through to the final whistle

What major sporting challenges are coming up for you over the next couple of years while they're at Swansea - competitions, championships, team selection etc?

The annual Varsity Match, UWIC vs. Swansea, is coming up, then there is the BUSA competition, which includes most Universities. I am also training for the selection of the Ospreys Under 21’s side, Bon-Y-Maen 1st Team and the Wales Under 21’s selection.

How has the scholarship made a difference?

It’s been very helpful towards the actual cost of training equipment and diet. It costs quite a bit to eat properly and avoid the usual student diet. As a home student I get a much reduced student loan compared to a student living in University accommodation. It just helps relieve some of the other pressures that can interfere with playing rugby.

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