Former rugby star Phil Vickery has traded his sports gear for spray-tanned trunks, stepping away from the rugby pitch to try out competitive bodybuilding.

This week marks 16 years since the Rugby World Cup winner officially stopped playing the sport that defined his life.

Stepping away was a difficult choice for Vickery, who reached 34 at the time and faced continuous injuries before doctors advised him to stop playing.

Today, the 50-year-old former England skipper faces an entirely different battle while living with a probable diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain condition linked to frequent head knocks.

Spectators at a bodybuilding contest in Hull saw Vickery simply as another 99kg competitor covered in stage tan.

He mentioned to Sky Sports that he does not consider himself a true bodybuilder, noting his long levers and massive rib cage.

Becoming an elite bodybuilder is not his main objective, as he simply wants to improve himself.

He informed BBC Sport that he realizes he will never reach the top tier of bodybuilding, though that reality fails to stop him from trying to achieve his personal best.

Reaching the competitive stage required a difficult journey, starting with the need to rediscover a reason to exercise following his retirement.

Vickery, affectionately called The Raging Bull, featured in all seven fixtures during England's victorious 2003 World Cup run and later captained his team to the final four years afterward.

When his athletic career concluded, however, the motivation behind years of intense labor vanished.

He explained that the main struggle after retiring was that he used to train solely for playing matches and could not find any reason to continue afterwards.

In a conversation with Sky Sports, Vickery added that his physical transformation started six or seven years ago during a period when he felt deeply troubled, prompting him to take action after evaluating his condition.

Stepping inside the Wolfpack gym in Gloucester provided the missing element for him.

What began as a casual hobby to improve his fitness eventually transformed into a structured routine preparing him for a bodybuilding contest.

Initial enthusiasm was lacking, however.

When his trainer first proposed the idea, his immediate response was refusal about getting on a stage.

Vickery, who earned 73 caps for England alongside five Lions Test appearances, noted that the process revived his inner former rugby professional through discipline, attention to detail, and competing.

It brought back memories of waiting in the changing room before a major match, experiencing nerves, questioning his presence, and realizing he had completed the necessary work.

Presenting his physique created entirely unique obstacles.

He described the difficulties of posing, keeping his left shoulder down, pulling his right arm across, and managing muscle engagement.

While stage competitors display the best version of themselves physically, they often feel their worst, making it a strange sport that highlights human capability.

Age holds no concern for him, as he still feels 27 internally despite his physical feedback.

Physical hurdles are only superficial, because the primary goal involves personal wellbeing.

Vickery, who openly discussed his probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy diagnosis in 2024, has mentioned struggles with recalling everyday matters.

Definitive diagnosis of the brain condition currently requires post-mortem examination, and while no cure exists, treatments help manage symptoms.

He finds comfort in knowing he does everything possible to optimize his health and maintain a positive outlook.

Vickery stands among several former athletes involved in legal proceedings against rugby authorities concerning brain injuries.

Claimants argue that governing bodies neglected to safeguard them from repeated head trauma impacts, though the accused organizations deny responsibility.

For Vickery, the legal action centers on ensuring future care availability.

He told Sky Sports that financial compensation does not alter his diagnosis, but a successful outcome would help arrange proper support for his future care needs.

Despite his current situation, his affection for rugby remains unchanged.

When asked if he would repeat his career choices, he confirmed a complete yes, noting his only grievance is the desire for proper care when dealing with health struggles.

At present, Vickery maintains a weekly schedule of three or four weightlifting routines, daily walks, and a high-protein diet.

He prioritizes mental and physical tests, specifically pushing himself outside his comfort zone.

He told BBC Sport that individuals should repurpose acquired skills differently, emphasizing that his message encourages people to create a plan and take action rather than strictly pursuing bodybuilding.