He won five caps for Wales and would later become a central figure in the early history of the Welsh Rugby Union.
[4] Despite the heavy defeat, Phillips was re-selected to play for Wales in the next game against Ireland, one of only four players to hold their place.
Despite the win, Phillips would miss the next two Wales games, but was back in the squad for all three of the matches in the 1884 Home Nations Championship.
Phillips continued his close connection with Welsh rugby, when in 1887 he was chosen to referee the Home Nations match between Ireland and England.
In 1892, after his international career had come to an end; Phillips was chosen as one of four vice-presidents of the WRU, representing the East Wales region along with Horace Lyne.