TWO women from St Clears have forked out £570 to go on a date with Welsh rugby ace Mike Phillips.
The Wales and British and Irish Lions star isn't charging by the hour — he was the prize lot at a charity auction.
After a frenzied bidding war on the night, Caroline Anthony, 35, missed out to Dai Blundell, who was bidding for his girlfriend Natalie Thomas, 24.
But Dai decided to offer Caroline the opportunity to share, which she snapped up.
"I had given up at £550," said Caroline, who went to school with Mike's older brothers.
"My aunty was bear-hugging me to keep my hands down.
"Dai won it in the end and because he could see how gutted I was, he offered to share it."
Natalie said she was happy to share her big night out with Phillips.
"I said all along that I wanted the date," she added.
"I don't mind sharing — it's nice to have someone to go with."
The auction was part of a charity night Natalie organised in memory of her friend, Laura Rees.
Laura, 23, died in a two-car collision between St Clears and Whitland in October.
So far the night has raised £10,000 for the Carmarthenshire Children's Centre plans at Glangwili Hospital, with money still coming in.
"It was such a good cause that we didn't mind," said Caroline.
"There are thousands of girls in the country that would pay that.
"Yes, it is going to be great having a few hours with him, but it was more for the cause."
Natalie said the pair had received some stick over the date, but Caroline said the same people who were pulling their legs were keen to meet Mike themselves.
"All my friends and family have offered lifts there and back," she said.
"We're nervous and excited.
"We're waiting for a date, it will be later this month or May, once the rugby season is over.
"It should be a good night."
Natalie added: "We're going for a few drinks in the Black Lion before we meet him for a bit of dutch courage."
Being from St Clears, Caroline and Natalie know Mike.
"His mother used to teach me and Laura in Whitland Primary School," said Natalie.
Caroline added: "I remember him being born, I was in school with his brothers Robert and Mark.
"I was young but I remember Mark and Robert having a new baby."
And both paid tribute to Mike's caring side.
"I messaged him on Facebook and he said 'Go on then', so fair play to him," said Natalie.
"I explained what it was about and he was happy to help."
After all the ribbing, and the nervousness ahead of the night, the girls have something else to worry about.
"We're going to have to plan our outfits," said Caroline.
The Wales and British and Irish Lions star isn't charging by the hour — he was the prize lot at a charity auction.
After a frenzied bidding war on the night, Caroline Anthony, 35, missed out to Dai Blundell, who was bidding for his girlfriend Natalie Thomas, 24.
But Dai decided to offer Caroline the opportunity to share, which she snapped up.
"I had given up at £550," said Caroline, who went to school with Mike's older brothers.
"My aunty was bear-hugging me to keep my hands down.
"Dai won it in the end and because he could see how gutted I was, he offered to share it."
Natalie said she was happy to share her big night out with Phillips.
"I said all along that I wanted the date," she added.
"I don't mind sharing — it's nice to have someone to go with."
The auction was part of a charity night Natalie organised in memory of her friend, Laura Rees.
Laura, 23, died in a two-car collision between St Clears and Whitland in October.
So far the night has raised £10,000 for the Carmarthenshire Children's Centre plans at Glangwili Hospital, with money still coming in.
"It was such a good cause that we didn't mind," said Caroline.
"There are thousands of girls in the country that would pay that.
"Yes, it is going to be great having a few hours with him, but it was more for the cause."
Natalie said the pair had received some stick over the date, but Caroline said the same people who were pulling their legs were keen to meet Mike themselves.
"All my friends and family have offered lifts there and back," she said.
"We're nervous and excited.
"We're waiting for a date, it will be later this month or May, once the rugby season is over.
"It should be a good night."
Natalie added: "We're going for a few drinks in the Black Lion before we meet him for a bit of dutch courage."
Being from St Clears, Caroline and Natalie know Mike.
"His mother used to teach me and Laura in Whitland Primary School," said Natalie.
Caroline added: "I remember him being born, I was in school with his brothers Robert and Mark.
"I was young but I remember Mark and Robert having a new baby."
And both paid tribute to Mike's caring side.
"I messaged him on Facebook and he said 'Go on then', so fair play to him," said Natalie.
"I explained what it was about and he was happy to help."
After all the ribbing, and the nervousness ahead of the night, the girls have something else to worry about.
"We're going to have to plan our outfits," said Caroline.
