From Twickenham to the stage

Phil Vickery, England's 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, competed as a bodybuilder backstage at the Physical Culture Show in Hull. The nerves felt familiar to his playing days.

“It reminded me of being in the changing room before the big game, your nerves - are you going to be sick, you're happy, you're not happy, I can do this, this is raw.”

A challenge at 50

A challenge from friend Lee Powell, with support from physical trainer Dave Campbell, led Vickery to enter bodybuilding competitions at age 50. He posed to World in Union, the World Cup anthem.

Why bodybuilding appeals

Vickery loves that bodybuilding is a singular, isolated sport where you compete against yourself. Your physique directly reflects your effort, with nowhere to hide.

“It's you against you. It's not about anyone else. There is no out. You can't hide behind a keyboard.”

A storied rugby career

Vickery won 73 caps for England and five for the British and Irish Lions as a prop forward. Victory at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in Australia was a sporting zenith.

Managing CTE and mental health

Vickery has a diagnosis for probable CTE and is part of continuing litigation. He uses the gym as crucial space for managing his mental health and his physically broken body.

“I think having the gym and having that space to be able to work is really important for my mental health, but also for my body physically, because it is broken.”

Finding purpose after rugby

After retiring, Vickery struggled to find reason to train. Bodybuilding gave him a plan to implement, commit to and see through, helping him close the circle.

“I think the one thing I really struggled with when I finished playing is I trained to play and I couldn't find that reason to train afterwards.”

On stage at 99 kilograms

When Vickery took to the stage in Hull, he weighed about 99kg, more defined but lighter than his playing days when his weight ranged between 118kg and 135kg.

“You look the best version of you that you could look, but you feel the worst. It's kind of a silly sport but it's amazing what the human body can do.”

Training and future plans

Vickery trains three or four times a week with weights, combined with daily fasting cardio walks and a protein-rich diet. He hopes more bodybuilding shows will follow.

Repurposing skills for new challenges

Vickery rejects the influencer label, saying we are all influencers. His message is to get out, do something and make a plan, testing yourself physically and mentally.

“I know I will never be a top bodybuilder. But it doesn't stop me, it doesn't stop me having a go and being the best version of me that I can be.”