England Rugby World Cup winner, 48, looks unrecognisable as a BODYBUILDER as he competes in tournament

A FORMER England Rugby World Cup champion looks totally unrecognisable after competing as a BODYBUILDER.

Gone is the belly he sported in his playing days, with the former British and Irish Lion debuting in a bodybuilding competition last weekend.

This is a former England Rugby World Cup winner

The talented front-row star took part in a bodybuilding competition over the weekend

The 6ft 6in hunk, right, turned 48 in March

The former bulldozing Gloucester prop played all seven games for England as they won the 2003 World Cup over hosts Australia.

And the 48-year-old was knocking on the door of 20 stone at his heaviest during his ball carrying and scrummaging days.

But the rugby ace sports a very different look these days – with his brute strength replaced by ripped abs and bulging muscles.

His bodybuilder pal took to Instagram with a series of recent snaps showing the former England captain competing in Milton Keynes.

The post read: “From Rugby World Cup winner and British lion to bodybuilder . Set a goal and have endless work ethic. Sir well done proud of you.”

The rugby champ is none other than Phil Vickery.

The former Gloucester and Wasps front row was wearing a medal as he showed off his ripped torso and huge biceps, with veins practically popping out of his arms.

Vickery replied to the Instagram post with: “Thank you and I appreciate you making the effort to come and support me. Good luck with your show this weekend .”

Phil Vickery won the 2003 Rugby World Cup with England

The Red Roses beat Australia in their own back yard in the 2003 World Cup

BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS

Vickery had been inspired to get himself in shape ahead of the 20th anniversary of England’s World Cup win.

He posted in May: “It’s been an interesting journey full of highs and lows but I have loved the process. But more importantly the people who have helped along the way.

“To those that have helped me with positive energy and smiles and thumbs up at 5 o’clock in the morning doing cardio in the freezing cold.”

He was forced to retire from rugby in 2010 after a series of neck injuries and was inducted into the Premiership Hall of Fame in 2015.

Vickery’s incredible body transformation comes more than a decade after the rugby star won Celebrity Masterchef in 2011.

After that success, he moved into the restaurant trade, founding ‘No.3’ in Cheltenham.

The venue – which referenced his former shirt number – proved popular, moving to a larger premises in the town last summer.

However, it was forced to close in January 2024 due to soaring costs.

Vickery with his Masterchef gong in 2011

He captained England during the Six Nations and World Cup in 2007