A true rugby legend has just announced his retirement from the game he’s loved in a career of 44 years of competitive action. Phil Swindells‘ incredible sporting career began at King Edward VII School and Fylde’s mini-juniors before continuing at the Royal Engineers, the Army U21s & Lancashire Police. He joined Blackpool RUFC in 1988 and went on to play around 500 senior games for the Club. He joined Fylde in 2007 and played around 350 games, mainly for the Vandals.
Phil Swindells said: “Rugby has been a huge part of my life I can only thank everyone who had a part in it, for their support, encouragement and camaraderie. You’ll not be rid of me totally though as I’ll definitely be down to watch and have a beer with you all.
He added: “I’m not giving up sport however. I have always loved running and over the last couple of years this has turned into something of an obsession. I’ve completed various marathons and ultra marathons over the last 6 or 7 months and have more lined up for next year.”
Various players who’ve been Phil’s team mates over the years have paid their tributes, Simon Taylor, a long standing team mate and half-back partner at Blackpool and Fylde who gave him his nickname of Scrum Boy Bolshy when at Blackpool said: “I think you are entitled to call it a day after 1,000 games buddy! Imagine how many you would have played if you hadn’t had bad injuries like a phantom hernia that they couldn’t find when they got you on the operating table.”
He added: “Congratulations on a fabulous career matey, even if you should have played at a much higher level. You were incredibly loyal to BRUFC and they were very lucky and grateful that you were. Best pound for pound player I have ever known, superb snake hipped side step, interception king, always fittest guy on the pitch.”
He’ll receive many more tributes at a special Fylde Vandals 50th Anniversary Dinner at the Woodlands on Saturday, 13th November.
