Phil Vickery (rugby union)

As of April 25, 2009 National July 4, 2009

Philip John Vickery MBE ( born March 14, 1976 in Barnstaple ) is an English rugby union player. He plays as a pillar for the English national team and the London Wasps.

Vickery was in 1998 at the age of 21 years, made ​​his debut for England against Wales as a substitute. At the World Championship 1999 he was also part of the squad. The following season, he was promoted to regular player and was nominated for the tour of the British and Irish Lions, where he came to Australia in all three test matches used.

Prior to the Six Nations 2003 Vickery fell out due to injury, but came in the summer to prepare for the World Cup back. At the World Cup he played an important role and could end up with the team beat hosts Australia in the final and win the first World Cup title for England. Following this triumph he was injured but a few times, so it turned out an entire year.

In January 2007, Vickery was appointed captain of the England national team and became the successor of Martin Corry. In the summer of that year he was no longer considered, as he had with his club London Wasps in the Heineken Cup reaches the knockout matches. At the end of the season, the Wasps won even the cup. At the World Cup but he was in the squad England again and led the team as captain to the final, where South Africa was beaten. With the appointment of Martin Johnson as coach Steve Borthwick Vickery superseded as captain.

In 2009 he was nominated by Ian McGeechan for the tour of the British and Irish Lions to South Africa. It was used in the first and last game of the series.

His nickname " Raging Bull" ( Raging Bull ), he got early in his career and took these for his clothing brand.