It was great to see one particular visitor at the Woodlands on Saturday at the Fylde v Wharfedale National Two (North) match. One of Fylde’s greatest ever former players, England international, Barbarian & Lancashire stalwart Malcolm Phillips travelled up from his Somerset home with his son to the old ground which he had graced so often in his distinguished playing career. Malcolm celebrated his 91st birthday today, 3rd March, and looked in good shape as he shook hands with numerous spectators on Saturday.
Malcolm is a product of Arnold School, Blackpool, where he began a lifelong friendship with another of the areas’ sporting icons, the late Jimmy Armfield. Each prospered in their sporting careers after leaving school. By the time Jimmy had become an England soccer international, Malcolm Phillips had won a number of his 26 full caps for the England rugby team during the period 1958-1964.
He was an outstanding centre three quarter with the kind of silky running skills and pace that could open up any defence. He was an Oxford University blue and represented Lancashire on many occasions.
Following his retirement as a player he became a respected and leading administrator in world rugby. He served for a number of years as England’s nominee on the International Rugby Board alongside fellow Fylde legend, Bill Beaumont.
He earned the highest tribute in the English game when he became President of the Rugby Football Union in 2004/5.
With his wife Margaret:
As a tribute to him, we strongly encourage rugby followers to watch a short video ‘Best England Men’s Tries (1930-72)’ in which Malcolm features with his sublime running skills.
Click on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T31qeJ_p260
See his tries at numbers 3 & 13. Also look out for an outrageous late tackle on our hero, no 17!
A very happy birthday Malcolm!