One hundred days on from the motorcycle accident that forced him to have much of his right leg amputated, Ospreys hooker Ifan Phillips marked the milestone by revealing his new prosthetic.
The former Wales under-20 rugby star suffered catastrophic damage to his right leg following the crash in Swansea on December 5 and had to have it amputated above the knee. Despite the setback, Phillips has remained remarkably upbeat in his social-media activity and returned to the gym just a month following the accident.
A JustGiving crowdfunding account was swiftly set up in his name, aiming to raise £100,000 for the " adjustments & rehabilitation Ifan will need after this life-changing event." The page has raised a little more than £77,000 of that sum to date, which has helped speed up the process for Phillips to receive his prosthetic.
The 26-year-old took to Instagram on Tuesday and posted a picture of himself stood proudly with his new appendage, thanking ProActive Prosthetics in a caption that also read: "100 days post accident. New leg. New foot."
In an update to his followers in February, Phillips thanked those who had contributed to the cause and wrote: "As most of you are aware I was recently involved in a motorbike accident. The response to the justgiving page set up by my close friend has been truly overwhelming.
"Just to let you know that due to everyone's kind donations I am able to receive my prosthetic leg sooner than anticipated. My heartfelt thanks go to all who have donated. The justgiving page will therefore be coming down in the next few days. Diolch o waelod calon i bawb. I shall keep you all updated."
Ospreys head coach Toby Booth revealed in the days following the accident that Phillips' rugby career would be cut short as a result of the crash, telling reporters: "To have a career cut short through injury is very upsetting. He was very committed. It’s a very disappointing day."
The wide-smiling hooker has been an inspiration in his response to such a devastating event, posting updates of himself singing and playing guitar on social media. His sense of humour hasn't suffered as a result, either, as he captioned a post detailing his return to the gym in January: "First one back trying to get rid of the Christmas drum [gut]."
Phillips—the son of Neath rugby legend Kevin Phillips—looks certain to accelerate his prospects now that he's equipped with his new prosthetic. And although his playing career in 15s rugby may have been forced to an abrupt end, new possibilities await as he embarks on a new chapter in his life.
