Mike Phillips has revealed what he actually thinks about Warren Gatland after his social media outburst.
Former Wales head coach Gatland received criticism from a variety of his former stars, with Phillips himself being the most outspoken.
Clapping back at criticism like this, Gatland told The Telegraph that there were Wales players who wouldn't have a job right now if they didn't play under him. "It’s been tough. They [the former players] are trying to find their feet in the game and sometimes you have to be seen to be objective. And by being objective, be critical," Gatland said in the aftermath of leaving his head coach position.
READ MORE: Sarra Elgan becomes tearful on TV as she talks about what Jiffy and Nigel Owens have done
"I look and can say that there’s a number of them that wouldn’t be in the media if they hadn’t played for Wales, or hadn’t played for the Lions, or hadn’t been successful. It’s been a little bit disappointing."
Responding to these comments on RugbyJoe, Phillips said what he truly thought about Gatland. "He's got to remember that it's a two-way thing," began Phillips. "Players have played well for him, we did well for Gats and he was great.
"It's not so much about Gats. I think everyone is annoyed more with the WRU more than anything, and the situation of the whole game in Wales. It's not just one thing, it's everything. For Welsh people it's grassroots failings, under-20s haven't been great, but they've done well recently. The regions are not doing well.
"Obviously it's not one person's fault, and it's tough for Welsh fans and ex-players who want to see Wales doing well, and that's the main thing."
When asked about Gatland's comments after departing, Phillips joked: "I agree with him, Jamie Roberts would never have been picked without him!"
Posting on X during the autumn internationals last year, Phillips was particularly scathing with his comments on the New Zealander, writing: "You're on £600k a year and don't even have to win! How the WRU bring this guy back is just nuts! Laughing all the way to the bank."
"When I see this guy talking about family it makes me cringe. Did he speak to me at the end of my career, did he f***! I won for this guy. This bloke is only out for himself, and it kills me to see all this bull**** praise he's getting. He deserves to be kicked out, like he did to so many quality Welsh players!"
When Gatland left his role as Wales boss earlier in February, his daughter Gabby took to social media to voice how she felt about the whole ordeal, and addressed the criticism shown by the likes of Phillips.
"Unfortunately the issues were deeper than you could control," said Gabby. "And the negativity that has come from not only the media, but ex-players who you brought so much success to is incomprehensible. How quick people are to forget how much you did for Welsh rugby is beyond me."
