Scarlets lose Emyr Phillips for rest of the season

Scarlets hooker Emyr Phillips has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery.

The 28-year-old Wales international had surgery earlier this week to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament after he was injured during the Scarlets' 27-25 defeat to Cardiff Blues in their Guinness PRO12 clash on January 1.

Phillips was also hampered by injuries last season but he had been in good form this term and has featured in all but one of Scarlets' 15 competitive fixtures so far.

He has made a total of 126 appearances for the region as well as making three appearances for Wales.

Scarlets medical chief Andrew Walker said: "Emyr underwent surgery to his knee on Wednesday and will miss the remainder of the current season.

"His rehab will begin immediately and he would expect to see him back to full fitness during the pre-season."