England rugby icon Lawrence Dallaglio is confronting the prospect of financial ruin after being landed with a fresh bill totalling half a million pounds. The 2003 World Cup winner's monetary troubles have deepened significantly in the wake of his divorce and the failure of his business ventures.
Bankruptcy and a Costly Divorce
The 53-year-old former Wasps flanker was declared bankrupt earlier this year. This followed the breakdown of his nearly 20-year marriage to his wife, Alice, a split reportedly marred by accusations of infidelity from both sides. The couple, who married in 2005 after a decade-long relationship, share three children: daughters Ella and Josie, and a son named Enzo.
In a bid to address his debts, Dallaglio and his ex-wife sold their £2.7 million family home in Richmond, south-west London, in May. The former England captain agreed that his share of the proceeds would be used to pay down his outstanding loan liabilities.
Failed Company Leaves Massive Tax Bill
Newly filed company documents have laid bare the extent of the financial chaos left by his collapsed sports firm, Lawrence Dallaglio Ltd. The records reveal the business owes approximately £350,000 to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) in unpaid taxes, plus a further £61,000 to two other creditors.
Furthermore, the documents show Dallaglio personally owes £423,570 in overdrawn director's loans from the failed company. He also faces a bill of over £60,000 owed to the liquidators who were appointed to wind up the business more than two years ago. The repayment of his director's loan is expected to help settle the substantial tax bill.
A Glittering Career Overshadowed
This financial distress stands in stark contrast to Dallaglio's celebrated career on the pitch. He earned 85 caps for England, was a key member of the historic 2003 World Cup-winning squad, and was selected for three British and Irish Lions tours. The former back-row forward also captained his country on multiple occasions.
Since retiring from professional rugby in 2008, he has maintained a high profile as a television and radio pundit and an after-dinner speaker. He was awarded an OBE in 2008, having previously received an MBE, and has been widely commended for his extensive charity work. The current situation marks a dramatic and challenging fall from grace for one of English rugby's most revered figures.
