Phil Vickery Reveals Bodybuilding Transformation After Rugby Career

Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery has revealed his new physique after competing in a Physical Culture Association bodybuilding event in Hull, where the 50-year-old said training has supported his physical and mental health following his rugby career.

According to WalesOnline, Vickery competed at Hull's Connexion after preparing for the event and sharing images from the stage. The former British and Irish Lions player previously earned a medal at the UK Ultimate Physiques British Open Championships in 2024.

Vickery said he began bodybuilding after setting a goal to be in the best shape of his life for the 20th anniversary of England's 2003 Rugby World Cup victory. According to Ruck, he had previously lost around six stone during his fitness transformation.

Vickery explained that the gym became an important part of his routine and shared details of his motivation in a social media post.

"So team it’s been just over a week and have recovered enough now to show a couple of pictures of my body building competition I took part in for the PCA in Hull." Vickery said.

He also addressed questions about his reasons for entering bodybuilding and said the challenge was about personal improvement rather than external rewards.

"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." Vickery said.

Vickery described weight training as a discipline that helped him beyond physical changes and focused on the effort required to compete.

"First and foremost the gym and lifting weights have helped me physically but mentally more than anything. I love the discipline, the challenge, the atmosphere, the camaraderie and simple fact it’s hard work. You can’t fake your way onto stage you can’t hide behind anyone or anything." Vickery said.

He continued by explaining how he views bodybuilding as a measure of individual progress and commitment.

"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." Vickery said.

Vickery credited his coach Dave Campbell for helping him prepare for the competition and said the support was important during the process.

"One person who deserves a special mention from me is Dave Campbell who without his support guidance and fountain of knowledge it just wouldn’t be possible." Vickery said.

Vickery's former England teammates reacted to the images, with Matt Dawson among those impressed by the transformation.

"Bloody hell mate. No wonder that was so tough. Fair play you colossus...." Dawson said.

Lewis Moody and James Haskell also praised Vickery's achievement, while former players reacted positively to his appearance after the event.

Vickery's rugby career included 73 England caps, two British and Irish Lions tours, the 2003 Rugby World Cup title and the 2007 World Cup final as captain.

In discussing leadership during his playing days, Vickery gave an example of his approach to team responsibilities.

"Do your job. You don’t do your job. You’re in trouble with me." Vickery said.

He used a simple team example to describe how every role contributed to collective success.

"If your job is to munch carrots for the sake of the team, and you eat carrots, that’s your job." Vickery said.

He expanded on the example by stressing consistency and commitment to assigned responsibilities.

"Eat carrots. Munch carrots, sunshine." Vickery said.

Vickery continued explaining that discipline remained central to his approach after rugby.

"Just when you get bored and start looking round for something else, munch carrots because that’s what you do." Vickery said.

The former prop linked individual effort with achieving team objectives and maintaining standards.

"And if we can all do our jobs to the best of our ability and be relentless in that pursuit of doing that, I promise you, it’s not that simple. It actually is. You’ll be successful." Vickery said.