Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery, known as 'Raging Bull' during his playing days, has shown off his transformation after competing as a bodybuilder. The 50-year-old shared pictures from a bodybuilding competition in Hull on Instagram, revealing a physique that looks more powerful than ever.
Vickery on the 'hard work' of bodybuilding
Vickery attended the PCA bodybuilding federation's event in Hull and wrote to his followers: "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_official in Hull."
He addressed the frequent questions he receives about his new pursuit: "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."
'Your physique is the reflection of your work'
Explaining his motivation, Vickery said: "First a foremost the gym and lifting weights has helped me physically but mentally more than anything, I love the discipline, the challenge the atmosphere the camaraderie and simple fact it’s f***ing hard work and you can’t fake your way onto stage you can’t hide behind anyone or anything... your physique is the reflection of your work."
He added: "It’s not about anyone else for me it’s just you being the best version of you and being better than last time."
Former teammates react
Matt Dawson, who played alongside Vickery in England's 2003 World Cup-winning side, replied: "Bloody hell mate. No wonder that was so tough. Fair play you colossus." James Haskell posted four fire emojis, while the official England account joked: "Fancy a game?"
The tight head prop made 73 appearances for England between 1998 and 2010, captained the national side in 2007 and toured as part of the British and Irish Lions squad. He has a Chinese tattoo on his shoulder that translates as "I'll fight you to the death".
