Phillips has also been watching the return to the Wales set-up of his daughter Carys, who spent a couple of years in the international wilderness.
Carys Phillips has been awarded one of the 12 full-time professional contracts, while there are a dozen more retainer contracts.
“From a father’s point of view, I am very pleased for her,” said Phillips.
“With Carys, quite similar to myself, she was out of the equation for a couple of years.
“From a selfish point of view, to watch the way she has come back through last autumn and the Six Nations, is a credit to her.
“She is appreciative of having a full-time contract and is loving that experience.”
Phillips left his role as Wales women’s head coach two years ago, although he had been absent from his position since 2019.
Before his departure, Phillips says he had asked for professional contracts for the players which new performance director Nigel Walker has introduced.
“Professional rugby was something we campaigned for back then, so it’s better late than never,” said Phillips.
“That was definitely the way forward and Nigel Walker has taken that and listened to people. He has taken that ambition and done something about it.
“It has been fantastic and is starting to bring them in line with the professional teams by giving them the best opportunity to prepare.
“The gulf is huge between amateur and professional sides.
“There is now a lot of pressure on these girls with people talking about them being fully professional, but it has only really been since January.
“The benefits, in terms of organisation on the field, are being seen already but physically it will take a bit longer. It is a starting point to bigger and better things.”