Phil Vickery transitions from World Cup champion to bodybuilding competitor
BBC Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 22, 2026, 5:14 AM
Last updated Oct 22, 2026
Phil Vickery, a 2003 Rugby World Cup winner, recently participated in bodybuilding competitions at the Physical Culture Show in Hull. At 50 years old, Vickery has found a new passion for fitness after struggling with his mental health and a probable CTE diagnosis. He emphasizes the discipline of bodybuilding, likening the experience to the nerves felt before rugby matches. Vickery, who weighed about 99kg on stage, has plans to enter more competitions in the future, highlighting his continued commitment to physical and mental health.
- •Phil Vickery won the Rugby World Cup with England in 2003.
- •He recently competed at the Physical Culture Show in Hull.
- •Vickery manages mental health challenges linked to probable CTE.
- •He aims to enter more bodybuilding shows in the future.
- •His training regimen includes weight sessions and a protein-rich diet.
- 5:14 AMBBC Sport — Vickery's journey from World Cup winner to bodybuilder at 50
"Why England Rugby World Cup winner Phil Vickery has started entering bodybuilding competitions at the age of 50.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
Rugby World Cup•Oct 21, 2026, 5:00 PMMaro Itoje seals England future by agreeing new deal with Saracens
Rugby World Cup•Oct 21, 2026, 6:07 AMScots to face All Blacks away in World Cup warm-up
Rugby World Cup•Oct 19, 2026, 9:38 PMHow have Canada closed gap to world champions England?
Rugby World Cup•Oct 17, 2026, 11:45 AMLate Canada fightback ends Red Roses' unbeaten streak
Rugby World Cup•Oct 17, 2026, 7:00 AMAustralia v New Zealand: Bledisloe Cup rugby union international – live
Rugby World Cup•Oct 14, 2026, 5:01 PMSpain unveils details of 2035 Rugby World Cup bid