Ospreys player Ifan Phillips suffers 'life-changing' injuries in motorcycle collision
Ospreys player, Ifan Phillips has suffered "life-changing" injuries after being involved in a motorcycle collision.
The collision, involving two motorcycles happened on Sunday afternoon in the Landore area of Swansea.
The 25-year-old was taken to Morriston Hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.
Phillips has played 40 games for the Ospreys and trained with the Wales squad last summer.
A statement on the club's social media account read: "The Ospreys can confirm hooker Ifan Phillips was involved in a serious road traffic accident in Swansea on Sunday afternoon and is now being treated at Morriston Hospital."Ifan is in a stable condition and he is uppermost in the thoughts of all of us at the Ospreys.
"On behalf of his teammates, coaches, staff, all Ospreys supporters & the rugby community, we want to extend all our love and support to Ifan, his family and his friends"Ifan's family are overwhelmed and very grateful for the support they have received in the last few days."
Speaking in a press conference ahead of their game against Sale Sharks on December 12th, Head Coach, Toby Booth said the incident was "tragic and obviously very upsetting for all".
He said: "Words fail me a little bit. We need to be there for Ifan in whatever capacity for the short,long and medium term for him and his family and we'll do everything we can to support him through the next transition of his life which is going to be a huge change for him.
"To have a career cut short through injury effectively is very upsetting and especially to a player at such a young age. He was always keen to work hard and work on his game and was very committed. It's a very disappointing day for sure."
Team mate Rhys Webb added: "It's obviously devastating. Heartbreaking news. Obviously Ifan's a top bloke but one hell of a player as well.
"At this moment in time, our thoughts are with his friends and family and I know us boys and players and the Ospreys community will rally around him and we'll offer our support."
South Wales Police are now appealing for witnesses.
A South Wales Police spokesperson said: "Officers are appealing for witnesses following a serious road traffic collision that occurred at around 1.38pm on Sunday, 5 December on the B4603, Morfa Road, Landore, Swansea, opposite Landore Social Club.
"The collision involved two motorcycles, a green Triumph Street Scrambler and a Kawasaki. One rider was taken to hospital, where he remains and is being treated for life-changing injuries.
"The road was closed for a number of hours whilst investigations continued and we thank anyone affected during this time for their patience.
"We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or has dash-cam footage, anyone who stopped to provide assistance, or anyone who saw the motorcycles prior to the collision."
Ifan's teammates and close friends have set up a crowdfunding page to help support him and his family and have so far raised over £33,000.