MIKE Phillips, Wales’ most-capped scrum-half, has announced his retirement from Test rugby.

The 33-year-old has played in 99 internationals – 94 for Wales and five for the British and Irish Lions on tours to South Africa and Australia – and was part of the Grand Slam winning teams of 2008 and 2012 as well as the 2013 Six Nations title winners.

Phillips was an unused member of Warren Gatland’s World Cup squad after being called up as a replacement for the injured Rhys Webb but has decided the time is right to leave the Test arena.

"This is a chance for me to bring this chapter of my life to a close," said the Racing 92 ace.

"Playing for Wales has been such a huge part of my adult life and this is a chance for me to say thank you to everyone from family and friends, the coaches and management of the Welsh Rugby Union, all of the great players that I have been fortunate enough to play with and against and of course the fantastic Welsh fans for their great support.

"It was always a dream of mine to play for Wales, it meant everything to me and it's an amazing feeling to represent your country. For me it was a privilege."