Ollie Phillips

Ollie has captained his country on the rugby world stage, was the best player in the world in 2009 and has sailed around the globe: all in all a pretty impressive summary.

Ollie Phillips is one of the most loved and highly respected characters in British sport. Recognised by World Rugby as the best player to grace a sevens field in 2009, Ollie has achieved more than most in his glittering career to date.

From his origins on the boggy back fields of Hove Park, to captaining his country on the hallowed turf of Twickenham Stadium, Ollie’s adventure through the world of rugby has left no one in any doubt of his commitment to his sport, his dedication to his team and his remarkable capacity for living life to its fullest.

Ollie’s achievements are many and varied, but his proudest moments have come when wearing an England jersey. With an international career that has spanned over 10 years, 20 World Series appearances and 46 tries, Ollie has been a cornerstone in England Sevens' rise to success.

In 2008 Ollie was honoured and privileged to be named captain of his country; leading the team throughout the World Sevens Series and subsequently the Sevens World Cup in Dubai that same year. To date, Ollie’s tenure as captain is the most successful to be enjoyed by any England Sevens captain, resulting in 3 World Sevens Series victories and 6 World Sevens Series finals.

Away from the international arena Ollie’s career has so far seen him play with 4 different clubs, namely Harlequins, Newcastle Falcons, Stade Francais and most recently Gloucester. Ollie has enjoyed success with all, participating in 3 Heineken Cups, 1 European Cup Final and being voted Best Overseas Player in 2011. In addition, he also learnt French to aid his career and is now a fluent speaker of the language.

However, it is not just on the rugby field where Ollie has excelled. His recent circumnavigation of the world, through his participation in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race on board the Great Britain boat, illustrates his sense of adventure and drive for success. Finishing second in the race and securing the position of Second in Command, despite having never sailed before, is testament to the type of character that Ollie is.

His determination and desire to champion his sport wherever possible has earned him recognition throughout the international rugby community as a positive force for the game and a strong advocate of the benefits of being part of a team. Awarded the Independent National Community Award in 2009, Ollie’s efforts were recognised on a national scale. His dedication to involve, integrate and introduce people from all walks of life to his sport is, Ollie would argue, his greatest achievement. His commitment to this integration has seen him deliver community outreach programmes on every continent across the World and his appetite to help people understand a love of the game continues unbounded.

Ollie is a credit to himself, with an incredible ability to lead, motivate and encourage those around him. His unrelenting dedication, hard work and endevour have seen him conquer some of sport’s most impressive challenges. Loved by all who meet him, Ollie is a true gentleman and as honest as they come.