MIKE Phillips says the Ospreys' failings in Europe were one of the reasons for his decision to leave the region and join French club Bayonne.

The Welsh international scrum-half departed the Liberty Stadium last summer along with a host of high-profile players, including James Hook, Lee Byrne and Jerry Collins.

Phillips has enjoyed something of a renaissance following his exit from South Wales, performing brilliantly at the World Cup and beginning his career in Bayonne with some man-of-the-match displays.

The Ospreys, meanwhile, have had a mixed few months, playing well in the RaboDirect Pro12 but again falling short in the Heineken Cup after being knocked out at the pool stage.

"It was disappointing that we (the Ospreys) didn't do well in Europe. The team had been successful winning the Celtic League after all," said Phillips, whose move to France is the subject of an S4C documentary which airs on Thursday night.

"It did get me down, to be honest, because I wanted success in Europe."

Phillips's resurgent form is all the more remarkable given the off-field problems he had towards the end of his time in Wales.

Suspended from the Welsh squad for an early-morning scuffle in Cardiff's city centre and under the media's glare following his split from singer Duffy, Phillips was under intense scrutiny last year, but the 29-year-old is relieved to escape it all in France.

"Over the years, to be honest, I've been partly at fault. I would have changed one or two things if I had a chance, but nobody's perfect," he said.

"All I am is a lad from Bancyfelin — a country boy who has just enjoyed life over the years. It's just not nice reading stuff about you in the newspapers and the news headlines.

"Everything you do seems to be blown out of all proportion. That can be disappointing and that's why I like being in Bayonne.

"People don't recognise you as much and so I can enjoy living my life again.

"I've had no problems and no trouble."

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