Rugby World Cup winner Phil Vickery has revealed his incredible shape in fresh pictures from a recent bodybuilding competition.
The former rugby player competed in the official Physical Culture Association (PCA) just over a week ago, and he looks totally different to his playing days.
Tanned to the maximum, the 50-year-old stood on stage tensing his incredible muscle-toned body, as he demonstrated what hard work and discipline can achieve.
“Your physique is the reflection of your work”
Vickery is very open about his struggles post-rugby, particularly living with a brain injury, but claims that bodybuilding is a positive outlet.
“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,” he said in the social media post.
“First and foremost, the gym and lifting weights have helped me physically, but mentally more than anything.
“I love the discipline, the challenge, the atmosphere, the camaraderie and the simple fact that it’s fucking hard work, and you can’t fake your way onto the stage; you can’t hide behind anyone or anything.
“Your physique is the reflection of your work. It’s not about anyone else for me; it’s just you being the best version of you and being better than last time.”
“Munch carrots, sunshine”
Vickery was a key member of the England team during his playing career, winning 73 caps and appearing on two British and Irish Lions tours. Known as the Raging Bull, he appeared at three World Cups, winning the 2003 edition and reaching the final as captain in 2007.
His legacy will be that of a fierce leader, but a softly spoken, kind man. But his teammates knew never to underestimate him.
Discussing his leadership techniques on The Obsessed Few Podcast, Vickery told the host, Luke Bland: “Do your f*cking job. You don’t do your job. You’re in f*cking trouble with me.”
Of course, Vickery was simply providing an example of his leadership process, but the seriousness of his message was there for all to see.
“If your job is to munch carrots for the sake of the team, and you eat carrots, that’s your job,” he continued. “Eat f*cking carrots. Munch carrots, sunshine.
“Just when you get bored and start looking round for something else, f*cking munch carrots because that’s what you do.
“That’s your job: munch carrots, because that is for the sake of the team, whoever the organisation are, munch carrots.
“And if we can all do our jobs to the best of our ability and be relentless in that pursuit of doing that, I promise you, it’s not that simple. It actually is. You’ll be successful.”
It appears that his discipline from his playing days has not relented as he reaches his autumn years – constantly striving for excellence.