Phil Vickery was a mainstay of the England front row for over a decade, winning the World Cup in 2003 and later captaining the British & Irish Lions in 2009.
Philip John Vickery MBE was born on 14 March 1976 in Barnstaple, Devon, England, to Cornish parents, and began playing rugby at 12 while working as a herdsman on his family's farm, later qualifying as a cattle inseminator. He started his career with Cornish club Bude before earning his first England Schools honours at 16, and turned professional with Gloucester Rugby. Vickery made his England debut in 1998 after just 34 club appearances, and developed into one of the most formidable and durable props in world rugby, renowned for his scrummaging power and his distinctive tattoos, including one reading "I'll fight you to the death." He was selected for the British and Irish Lions in 2001 and again in 2009. Vickery was a key member of England's forward pack during the country's triumphant run to the 2003 World Cup title, playing in all seven matches of the tournament and captaining the side against Uruguay. He went on to captain England in his own right, leading the team through a challenging period including the 2007 World Cup, where England reached the final. Vickery moved to London Wasps in 2006, adding further silverware to his career, and retired in 2010 having earned dozens of caps for England across a career spanning three World Cups. He was appointed MBE for services to rugby and became a Deputy Lieutenant, remaining a respected figure in English rugby.
England prop, 2003 World Cup winner, 2009 Lions captain
How They Played
Vickery was renowned as one of the world's premier tightheads, possessing exceptional scrummaging technique and tremendous physical strength. His ability to anchor the scrum and provide a solid platform for his team's attacking play made him invaluable in the front row.
Lasting Impact
Vickery is remembered as one of England's greatest props and a key figure in their golden era of the early 2000s.
Career Honours
- Rugby World Cup winner 2003
- British & Irish Lions captain 2009
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gloucester Rugby | 1995–2006 | 185 | 0 | #3 |
| Bath Rugby | 2006–2015 | 165 | — | #3 |
 England | — | 73 | — | — |