Vickery’s bodybuilding transformation amid life-changing diagnosis

Former England rugby union captain and World Cup winner Phil Vickery has opened up about his unexpected transformation into bodybuilding while living with probable chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Speaking to Sky Sports News, the 50-year-old discussed rebuilding his physical and mental health at Wolfpack gym in Gloucester under coach Chris Bradley, finding community and a renewed sense of purpose following his retirement from rugby.

Vickery shared the daily challenges of his cognitive difficulties and explained his involvement in legal action taken by former players against rugby governing bodies over head injuries. While undertaking oxygen treatments and baseline brain testing, Vickery emphasized that he holds no bitterness toward rugby but wants former players adequately cared for as their conditions progress.