Ollie Phillips (rugby union)
Ollie Phillips (born 8 September 1982 in Brighton) is a former English professional rugby union player.[1]
Phillips combined successful careers in both the 15-a-side game and also the Olympic version of the game, Rugby Sevens. Phillips captained England Sevens and was named '7s World Rugby Player of the Year' in 2009 while also pursuing a professional career in 15s with four clubs in England and France, where he was voted 'Overseas Player of the Year' in 2011.
Since retiring from rugby, Phillips has volunteered as a charity ambassador. He currently works as a Director at PWC in London and in 2018 set up 'Optimist Performance', through which he works with clients by speaking and consulting in the core areas of teamwork, leadership and resilience.
Phillips was born in Brighton, and studied at Durham University, where he was a member of Van Mildert College, graduating in 2004.[2] He later studied for an MBA at Cambridge, where he won a blue in the Varsity Match.
Rugby
[edit]He is the most successful England Rugby Sevens captain leading his team to three World Series Cup victories - including in New Zealand - and six finals. In 2009, he was voted World Rugby Seven’s player of the year.[3]
He also played in 15-a-side Rugby Union at wing and full-back for four clubs: Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons, Stade Français and Gloucester Rugby. In all, he played in three Heineken Cups, a European Cup Final, and was voted Best Overseas Player in France in 2011.[4]
In 2022 it was announced that Phillips had taken up the role as Head Coach of the China Rugby Sevens team.[5]
Charity Adventures
[edit]Phillips has sailed around the world, cycled across America, run marathons in Africa, etc. for Street Child, Alzheimers Society, Wooden Spoon and Cancer Research UK. He is also an ambassador for the government-driven GREAT campaign working with the Clipper Round the World Race.
Clipper Round the World Race - Phillips took part in September 2013. After 11 months and 40,000 miles, the team finished second overall.[6]
Arctic Guinness World Record - Phillips headed to the North Pole for the ‘Arctic Rugby Challenge’, joining a 100-mile trek to the Magnetic North Pole where he hosted the ‘Most Northerly Rugby Match’, breaking the Guinness World Record.[7]
Cycle race across America (RAAM) - 3000 miles across America, from California to Maryland.
Mount Kilimanjaro - In October 2018 Ollie led a team with 360-expeditions to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 metres.
PWC Director
[edit]Ollie is Director for Real Estate & Construction at PWC.
Optimist Performance, founded 2018
[edit]Ollie founded OptimistPerformance.com to provide an opportunity to work as an advisor, coach and motivational speaker. Ollie delivers leadership, teamwork and culture workshops. He is also the co-host of a UK based podcast called The Growth Show.[citation needed]
Rugby Awards
[edit]- IRB International Sevens Player of the Year 2009
- Voted French Overseas Player of the Year, 2011
References
[edit]- ^ "Ollie Phillips". TNT Sports. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ "Durham University Sports Review". Issuu. 20 October 2011. Retrieved 3 September 2018.
- ^ "Ollie Phillips IRB Sevens Player of the Year". world.rugby. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
- ^ "Ollie Phillips: 'It's great to be back in international rugby'". women.rugby. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ "Coach Phillips ready to take China on rugby road-trip to major tournaments". Chinadaily.com. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
- ^ "From England rugby Captain to seasoned sailor, Ollie Phillips completes 360' Clipper Race transformation". clipperroundtheworld. Retrieved 24 December 2024.
- ^ "Most northerly rugby match". Guinness World Records. Retrieved 24 December 2024.