Phil Vickery, England’s World Cup-winning prop forward, has revealed his astonishing physical transformation through bodybuilding.
The 50-year-old, who was part of the 2003 team that beat Australia to help England win the Northern Hemisphere’s only Rugby World Cup, announced he had taken part in a competition in Hull and shared pictures.
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He said the event was organised by the Physical Culture Association, which describes itself as the UK’s leading bodybuilding association.
Vickery said that the discipline of bodybuilding, as well as the camaraderie of being around fellow bodybuilders, had been crucial for his mental health.
“So, team, it’s been just over a week and have recovered enough now to show a couple of pictures of my bodybuilding competition I took part in for the Physical Culture Association in Hull,” he wrote, alongside Instagram photos of his toned and tanned physique. “I get asked all the time, ‘Why, what for, what’s the point of it, how much money do you get if you win?’ and on and on.
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“First and foremost the gym and lifting weights has helped me physically but mentally more than anything, I love the discipline, the challenge, the atmosphere, the camaraderie and simple fact it’s f—— hard work and you can’t fake your way onto stage. You can’t hide behind anyone or anything. Your physique is the reflection of your work. It’s not about anyone else for me, it’s just you being the best version of you and being better than last time.”
In August, Vickery gave a series of interviews in which he laid bare his struggles since last playing rugby 14 years ago. Vickey, who won 73 England caps and five for the British and Irish Lions, has been diagnosed with “probable” chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a type of brain disease that is associated with repeated head impacts. He says that he has issues with his memory, but that he would still love to go back and play at the highest level.
Vickery celebrates winning the 2003 World Cup with England – Getty Images/Jonathan Wood
“The sport’s f—— amazing,” he told The Observer. “Rugby’s an amazing sport. You know, the sad reality is I sit here today: would I do it all again? Oh my God, I would. I’m f—— mental, but I would because it’s amazing,” he said.
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“I also sit here knowing there are lots of people out there, I believe, who are suffering because of the sport. And it’s not about blaming the sport and about getting all nasty and horrible. Let’s just f—— help people. There are people suffering, so let’s help them.”
In his Instagram post following the bodybuilding competition, he also specifically thanks Dave Campbell, his coach. “Without his support guidance and fountain of knowledge it just wouldn’t be possible,” he said. “He’s not just a coach, he’s a friend, a mentor, that person who invests his time energy constantly looking for new ways, listening to me and keeping me going when it’s the bad day. A true craftsman and someone who is so passionate about the sport… thank you Dave we did [this] together brother and I will always be grateful for those #littlebigthings.”
Campbell wrote: “It was my pleasure to see your journey from where you were to how good you looked, considering the injuries and setbacks we had to overcome. All in all, you did incredible. Well done mate.”
