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

Sign InSportsVickery's journey from World Cup winner to bodybuilder at 50By Stacy Boit · October 22, 2026 · 1 min readSponsored AdFormer England rugby captain and 2003 World Cup winner Phil Vickery has opened up about his transition into competitive bodybuilding at age 50, revealing how the sport has helped him manage his physical breakdown and a diagnosis of probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Speaking backstage at the Physical Culture Show in Hull, where he competed to the strains of the World Cup anthem World in Union, Vickery described the nerve-wracking intensity of standing on stage.

Weighing around 99kg—significantly lighter than his playing weight of 118kg to 135kg—the former Gloucester and Wasps prop noted that while bodybuilding forces athletes to look their best, it is physically demanding and mentally terrifying.

The transition began as a personal fitness challenge issued by a friend, Lee Powell, alongside guidance from physical trainer Dave Campbell. Vickery, who won 73 caps for England and five for the British and Irish Lions, explained that bodybuilding reignited the elite discipline, detail, and work ethic he had struggled to redirect since retiring from professional rugby.

Beyond the physical transformation, the sport serves as a crucial mental health outlet. Vickery, who is currently involved in ongoing litigation regarding his probable CTE diagnosis, admitted to struggling with a loss of purpose after his rugby career ended.

He credited his rigorous new routine—consisting of protein-rich nutrition, daily fasting cardio, and regular weight sessions—with providing the structure needed to navigate his ongoing health battles and remain active.

While sharing his journey openly on social media, Vickery rejected the “influencer” label, emphasizing instead a message of personal effort and resilience.

Rather than encouraging everyone to pursue bodybuilding, he hopes his experience inspires others to set goals, step outside their comfort zones, and strive to be the best version of themselves regardless of age or physical limitations.