Tell me a bio of Phil Vickery (rugby union).

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Here's a bio of Phil Vickery, the former English rugby union player:

**Early Life**

Philip John Vickery was born on March 14, 1976, in Barnstaple, Devon, England. He grew up in a sporting family and was educated at Barnstaple Community School.

**Rugby Career**

Vickery began playing rugby at a young age and joined the Barnstaple RFC junior team. He later moved to Gloucester Rugby, where he made his professional debut in 1995. Vickery played as a prop, primarily at loosehead, and quickly established himself as one of the top players in the position.

**International Career**

Vickery earned his first cap for England in 1998 against Australia. He went on to win 73 caps for England, including appearances in three Rugby World Cups (1999, 2003, and 2007). Vickery was a key member of the England team that won the 2003 Rugby World Cup, starting in the final against Australia.

**Achievements**

Vickery's achievements include:

* Rugby World Cup winner (2003)
* Six Nations Championship winner (2000, 2001, 2003)
* Premiership Rugby winner (2002)
* European Challenge Cup winner (2006)

**Impact**

Vickery was known for his technical ability, physicality, and leadership on the pitch. He was a respected figure in the England team and was often praised for his scrummaging and loose play. Vickery's experience and expertise were also valued by his teammates, who looked to him for guidance and support.

**Post-Playing Career**

Vickery retired from professional rugby in 2010 due to a series of injuries. After his retirement, he went on to become a rugby pundit and commentator, working with various media outlets, including ITV and Sky Sports. Vickery has also been involved in various charity initiatives, including working with the Rugby Football Union's (RFU) charitable arm, Try for Change.

**Legacy**

Phil Vickery is widely regarded as one of the greatest props in English rugby history. His achievements on the pitch, combined with his leadership and technical ability, have made him a respected figure in the rugby world. Vickery's legacy continues to inspire young rugby players, and his contributions to the sport have been recognized through various awards and accolades.
Here is a bio of Phil Vickery, a former English rugby union player:

**Early Life and Education**

Philip Malcolm Vickery was born on March 3, 1976, in Barnstaple, Devon, England. He grew up in a rural area and attended Barnstaple Grammar School. Vickery developed a passion for rugby from a young age and played for his school and local clubs.

**Club Career**

Vickery began his professional rugby career with Gloucester Rugby Club in 1995, where he made his debut as a teenager. He quickly established himself as a key player for the team, known for his technical skills, physicality, and leadership. Vickery played for Gloucester for 11 seasons, making over 200 appearances and winning several major honors, including the Powergen Cup in 2003.

In 2006, Vickery joined London Wasps, where he spent five seasons and won the Guinness Premiership title in 2007. He played 92 games for the club and was a crucial member of the team during their successful period.

**International Career**

Vickery's impressive club form earned him a call-up to the England national team in 1998. He made his international debut against Australia and went on to win 73 caps, scoring one try. Vickery was a regular member of the England team during the early 2000s, playing in two World Cups (2003 and 2007) and two Six Nations Championships (2002 and 2003).

**Achievements and Impact**

Vickery's achievements in rugby are numerous and impressive:

* World Cup winner (2003)
* Six Nations Championship winner (2003)
* Premiership winner (2007)
* Powergen Cup winner (2003)
* Member of the British and Irish Lions tour (2001 and 2009)

Vickery's impact on English rugby cannot be overstated. He was a key player in England's 2003 World Cup-winning team, starting in the final against Australia. His technical skills, leadership, and physicality made him a respected opponent and a role model for aspiring prop forwards.

**Post-Rugby Career**

After retiring from professional rugby in 2010, Vickery has remained involved in the sport as a commentator and analyst for various media outlets, including Sky Sports and ITV. He has also been involved in charitable work, including supporting organizations that promote rugby development in rural areas.

**Legacy**

Phil Vickery is widely regarded as one of the greatest prop forwards in English rugby history. His technical skills, physicality, and leadership made him a dominant force on the pitch, and his achievements with England and Gloucester are a testament to his dedication and hard work. His legacy continues to inspire young players, and he remains a respected figure in the rugby world.