Vickery’s journey from World Cup winner to bodybuilder at 50

Phil Vickery, who helped England win the 2003 Rugby World Cup, has competed as a bodybuilder at 50 after initially taking up training to improve his fitness. The challenge has given him a new focus and revived the discipline and competitive drive of his rugby career.

Vickery weighed about 99kg on stage, compared with 118kg to 135kg during his playing days. He now does three or four weight sessions a week, takes daily walks and follows a protein-rich diet. He says training supports his mental health and helps him manage a body affected by injuries; he has also been diagnosed with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy and is involved in ongoing litigation.