Phil Vickery, the England Rugby World Cup winner, recently showcased his journey into bodybuilding at the Physical Culture Show in Hull. This transition from rugby to bodybuilding has sparked a profound passion for both mental and physical fitness in him.

Reflecting on his experience, Vickery noted the familiar nerves akin to those before a rugby match, stating, "It reminded me of being in the changing room before the big game... that nervous energy and waiting." He acknowledged the commonality of these feelings among athletes, emphasizing the importance of self-belief: "I've done the work. I've done the graft."

At the age of 50, a challenge from his friend Lee Powell and encouragement from his trainer Dave Campbell propelled him into the world of bodybuilding competitions. Posing to the iconic World Cup anthem "World in Union," he described the experience as reigniting the discipline and detail of his rugby days.

Vickery, who earned 73 caps for England and five for the British and Irish Lions, reached a pinnacle in his career with the 2003 Rugby World Cup victory. However, he has faced personal challenges, including a diagnosis of probable CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) and ongoing mental health struggles. He expressed the importance of gym work for his mental and physical health, stating, "The gym... is really important for my mental health, but also for my body physically."

His journey into bodybuilding has provided him with a renewed sense of purpose and a structured plan, allowing him to confront his past and move forward positively. He concluded, "You have a plan, you make a plan, you implement it, commit to it, see it through... and then you move on."