Phil Vickery, affectionately known as The Raging Bull, faced a tumultuous period in his life after retiring from professional rugby.
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Once an integral part of England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup-winning side, the former prop endured a string of personal and financial setbacks, including bankruptcy and divorce, which led him to question his very existence. But in the midst of despair, Vickery found salvation in the unlikeliest of places: bodybuilding.
Speaking to Mail Online, Vickery reflected on the dark times and how fitness became his lifeline:
“Going through divorce, somebody said, ‘Don’t let drink become your friend,’ and that really spooked me. I could quite easily see how I could fall into that, so I consciously stayed away from it. Bodybuilding was a good excuse, that final prep, because you’re super clean.”
Bankruptcy and Divorce: A Fall from Grace
Post-retirement, Vickery’s ventures off the field weren’t as successful as his career on it. His restaurant business crumbled during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to bankruptcy. Combined with a painful divorce, he reached what he describes as the lowest point in his life:
“Covid, the restaurant, bankruptcy, divorce… is it the lowest point of your life? Of course it is. It’s your own integrity. It’s Phil Vickery; honesty, integrity, passion, pride… but you’ve failed. You can keep playing a game, telling yourself you’ll make it work. In the end, it caught up with me.”
Despite his struggles, Vickery refused to let the weight of his failures define him:
“You start to ask yourself the question: ‘What is the purpose of me being here? Is it easier if I’m not here?’ There’s been scenarios which I’ve gone through in my head but the more I think about that, regardless of what others think of me, I’ve got two beautiful kids, an amazing brother and sister, my mum, my aunty, my uncle, my cousins. Selfish isn’t the right word but you think, ‘Come on’.”
The Mental Toll of Rugby Retirement
Retirement from elite sports left Vickery struggling with his identity. The 10-year reunion of England’s iconic 2003 squad, a celebration for many, became an unbearable prospect for him:
“I struggled after retiring. I couldn’t physically bring myself to go to the 10-year reunion because it made me feel physically sick. Going through the divorce and the bankruptcy is kind of the end of the cycle. It’s out in the public domain, it’s a reality of life, you can’t hide it, you’ve got to front it up.”
As captain of the 2007 Rugby World Cup squad, Vickery learned resilience the hard way:
“I remember being sat in a press conference at the Rugby World Cup in 2007, as England captain, being labelled as the worst England team ever to have left the shores. Everyone wants a bit of the action when it’s going well. But let me tell you, when you’re going to a press conference, and you’re f**ing rubbish, and you’ve got to sit there and field it. That’s when you find out. I’ve never been afraid to front up, and I will front up.”*
Bodybuilding: A New Beginning
Trading in rugby boots for bodybuilding competitions, Vickery found solace in discipline and physical transformation. Wearing nothing but budgie smugglers, the 47-year-old discovered a new outlet for his competitive spirit.
Vickery’s journey serves as a testament to his resilience, proving that even when life knocks you down, it’s never too late to redefine yourself. From leading his country to World Cup glory to finding his footing after hitting rock bottom, Phil Vickery embodies the grit and determination of a true champion.
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Here’s Who the 2003 World Cup Legends Are Now Settling Down With
Here’s a look at who these iconic players have settled down with and what they’ve been up to since lifting the trophy.
Jason Robinson – The Rugby Flyer Who Found Love in Sian Griffin
Jason Robinson’s first marriage to Amanda ended in divorce, and together they have six children, including Cameron, Jemimah, Joseph, and Lewis. In June 2017, Robinson married Sian Griffin, with whom he has a son, Noah, who is making waves as a footballer with Manchester City.
Robinson’s career post-rugby has been diverse, from coaching rugby league to a brief stint as Sale Sharks’ head coach. Meanwhile, his sons, Lewis Tierney and Patrick Robinson, have thrived in rugby league and professional cycling.
Will Greenwood – The Centre Who’s Been a Rock for His Family
Will Greenwood’s marriage to Caroline has seen highs and lows, including the heartbreaking loss of their son Freddie in 2002, who passed away just 45 minutes after birth. As patrons of Child Bereavement UK, they have turned their grief into a mission to support others.
The former centre has worked extensively in media, offering insightful commentary during the 2007 World Cup and becoming a leading pundit for Sky Sports. He also writes a column for the Daily Telegraph.
Mike Tindall – From Rugby Glory to Royal Romance
Mike Tindall’s romance with Zara Phillips, the daughter of Princess Anne and granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, became public in 2003, but it was in 2010 that the couple got engaged. They now have two daughters, Mia and Lena.
The couple’s relationship has been closely followed by the media, especially after their chance meeting during the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Ben Cohen – The Winger Who Found New Love and a New Mission
Ben Cohen’s first marriage to Abby Blayney ended in 2016 after years of estrangement, with the couple sharing twin daughters, Harriette and Isabelle. Shortly after the divorce, Cohen and his Strictly Come Dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff revealed they were expecting a child together, and their daughter Milena was born in January 2016.
Cohen is also a passionate anti-bullying advocate, having founded the Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, which aims to raise awareness about the psychological impact of bullying, including homophobia.
Jonny Wilkinson – The Golden Boot and Shelley’s Quiet Romance
Jonny Wilkinson, the man who kicked England to victory in 2003, married Shelley Jenkins in 2013 after eight years of dating. The private ceremony in the French resort town of Bandol was attended by just two guests, including Wilkinson’s mother.
The couple welcomed their son, James, in 2019 while living in France. Wilkinson has since embraced a media career, joining ITV for coverage of the 2024 Six Nations.
Matt Dawson – From A Question of Sport to Instagram Fitness Fame
Matt Dawson’s personal life has seen some ups and downs. After his breakup with Carolin Hauskeller, with whom he has two sons, Dawson found new love with personal trainer and content creator Elizabeth Kerry.
With over 11,000 Instagram followers, Kerry shares plenty of fitness content, and Dawson has been happily dating her. His career post-rugby has included stints as a television presenter, most notably on A Question of Sport, and he continues to be a familiar face in the media.
Lawrence Dallaglio – From Scandal to Stronger Than Ever
Lawrence Dallaglio’s relationship with Alice, a former model and art student, has endured for over two decades, despite a rocky patch during the 2003 World Cup when Alice had an affair with one of Dallaglio’s friends. They reconciled, married in 2005, and now have three children. Dallaglio’s influence in rugby remains strong, as he continues to be an authoritative voice in the sport since retiring in 2008.
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Rugby Quiz:
Rugby is a sport of grit, skill, and resilience, and it’s the players who endure season after season, test after test, who embody these qualities best.
Today, we’re counting down the top 100 men’s capped players in rugby history – athletes whose dedication to their teams has etched their names into the record books.
From powerhouse props to fleet-footed wings, these players have amassed an astonishing number of caps, representing their countries time and again on the world’s biggest stage.
Whether they’ve thrilled fans with dazzling runs, anchored the scrum, or inspired with steadfast leadership, each has contributed to the legacy of rugby in unforgettable ways.
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