In 2001 Philip played at centre for BT Premiership Division One side Glasgow Hawks RFC.[2] While only out of school, he was already being recognised as possessing power and talent.[3] He featured for Hawks in the 2002 BT Cellnet Cup final, where they lost to Hawick RFC.[4]
He was named in the Scotland squad by coach Matt Williams ahead of the 2004 Six Nations Championship. He made his international debut against Wales in Cardiff.[7] He played in all five matches of the tournament. Following the Ireland match he was reported for a high tackle, but received no sanction.[8] In May 2004, he appeared for Scotland at Murrayfield against Barbarian F.C.[9]
In June 2004, while on Scotland's summer tour of Oceania, Philip sustained a torn anterior cruciate knee injury during a training drill.[10] Despite recovering from this injury, he experienced persistent chronic back and groin pain that forced him to announce a break from sport in November 2005 at the age of only 22.[11]
He did some coaching with Edinburgh Academicals,[14] then in May 2012, Haddington RFC appointed him as head coach at the age of just 28.[15][16] Just over a year later he had left this position.[17]
Personal Info
Philip has spoken about his experience with over-exercising, linking this to the mental health difficulties, having to come to terms with his playing career being cut short.[15][18]