But shortly after returning to Wales’ preliminary World Cup, Phillips was quick to apologise to the Wales management, his team mates and the Welsh rugby public, who have been the subject of similar disciplinary sagas involving Andy Powell and Gavin Henson in recent months.

And the 2009 British & Irish Lion has now turned his attentions to this autumn’s World Cup as he looks to makes amends for his misdemeanour.

“This is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to me in my career,” he said.

"I am ashamed to have let myself get into this kind of situation and I am determined to put things right.

“I deeply regret my behaviour, my exclusion from the squad took place in the glare of intense publicity and all I can hope for now is the privacy to concentrate totally on convincing the squad management I deserve to keep my place and the public's understanding and support for what I'm trying to do.

"I am a proud Welshman and I remain determined to devote myself to being the best rugby player I can possibly be to gain success for Wales in the World Cup and future tournaments."