Phil Vickery

About Phil Vickery - The Raging Bull

Phil was born March 1976 in Barnstaple and lived in Bude Cornwall where he was educated locally. His interest in sport developed as a youngster and by the age of 12 he began to play Rugby. It soon became clear that he had a natural talent for the game and by the age of 16 he gained his first National Representational honour, being selected for England Schools U/16 group.

Over the next few years he gained many more honours at Junior level, culminating with selection for the England Colts squad in 1994, alongside a number of other notable players, many of whom are playing professionally in the English First Division.

In the summer of 1995 Phil took the important decision to leave Cornwall at the request of Richard Hill, the England 'A' coach and sign professional terms with Gloucester R.F.C. of the First Division.

His career has flourished at Kingsholm, graduating through England U-21's, England 'A', and he made his full England debut in February 1998 at Twickenham against Wales.

With the experience of a quarter century of England caps and a British Lions tourist to Australia, Phil was given the honour of leading England on their tour of Argentina.

November 22nd 2003, Telstra Stadium Sydney. The Raging Bull became a World Cup Winner after being an integral part of the England team that beat Australia 20-17. A great day for English rugby and a very proud day for Phil. He was awarded the MBE in the Queens New Years Honours list in 2004 along with the rest of Englands victorious squad.

He is recognised as one of the finest front row forwards in the world, a complete prop, combining an awesome scrummaging technique and destructive tackler with athleticism and superb handling skills.

At the age of only 30 Phil left Gloucester after 10 years and signed for London Wasps, joining the 2004/2005 Premiership Champions at the end of the 05/06 season. He has had to overcome a number of injuries in the last few years, showing massive emotional and physical strength and has achieved full fitness after his 3rd back operation. The Bull made his debut for Wasps in October 2006 and won his 48th England Cap coming on as a replacement against South Africa, scoring only his second international try.

In January 2007 the Raging Bull was proud and honoured to accept the captaincy of England. He will win his 50th Cap leading England out against Scotland on February 2nd in the Six Nations and on through the 2007 World Cup.

Phil Vickery is a rugby player who has reached the pinnicle of his sport; World Cup Winner, British & Irish Lion and England Captain. More importantly to Phil, he is a very proud family man. He is married to the lovely Kate and they have a beautiful daughter, Megan. 

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