England legend opens up on divorce and bankruptcy: “It hurts, it’s horrible”

Wednesday, 08 April 2026 at 08:24

byRugby Rucker

Phil Vickery has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of his recent divorce and bankruptcy, admitting the experience has been “hard” and deeply painful.

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The 2003 Rugby World Cup winner reflected on the consequences of life decisions and the impact they have had on both his personal and professional life.

“I think, like all these things, you make decisions and things happen,” he told The Good, The Bad, And The Rugby.

“Then it’s about dealing with the repercussions — and often that’s sad, it’s difficult, it’s hard.”

Vickery acknowledged that situations like his rarely have a positive outcome for anyone involved, particularly when family is affected.

“There aren’t any winners in it for anybody,” he explained. “Obviously family, my children, and all your associates — your conditional friends and your non-conditional friends — you find out who those are.”

Despite the challenges, he described the experience as a revealing, if painful, process.

“It’s been an interesting exercise. It hurts, it’s horrible. Honour, integrity — all those things — but it’s happened,” he said.

The former prop added that dealing with both business and personal difficulties at the same time has made the situation even tougher.

“It’s very rare that it’s business and personal all at the same time,” he said. “But for me, perhaps they are a bit more linked. It’s been hard.”

At one point, Vickery became visibly emotional during the conversation, highlighting the depth of the strain he has been under.

“The hardest bit is the obvious — it’s the family side of things,” he admitted. “That’s part of the deal, I suppose.”

He also spoke about his own sensitivity and how recent personal loss has contributed to his emotional state.

“I’m sensitive anyway to people and emotions,” he said. “I lost my dad last year. I didn’t have a great relationship with him, but that still affected me.”

While he stopped short of assigning blame, Vickery suggested that a combination of factors had contributed to how he has been feeling.

“All that stuff has been kicking off in me,” he said, reflecting on why he has found the situation so emotionally overwhelming.

Despite the difficulties he has faced, Vickery presents a markedly different tone on social media. His Instagram offers a positive and motivational space, where he regularly shares workout tips and encourages followers to stay active and get out into the countryside.

The contrast highlights both the private struggles and public resilience of the former England star, offering a fuller picture of life beyond the rugby field.

Other England stars declared bankrupt:

? LAWRENCE DALLAGLIO

England Legend, Rugby Royalty – Bankrupt

Dallaglio remains one of the most iconic figures in English rugby. A key part of the 2003 World Cup-winning side, he earned 85 caps for England and captained the team during some of its most successful eras.

He represented the British & Irish Lions on three tours (1997, 2001, and 2005) and spent his entire club career with Wasps, winning multiple Premiership titles and European silverware. Off the field, he became a prominent pundit and charity ambassador, but his personal finances have clearly taken a major hit.

Former England No.8 and fellow 2003 World Cup hero Lawrence Dallaglio has also been hit with a bankruptcy order – confirmed on May 8, 2024.

Dallaglio’s camp has refused to comment on the situation.

? UGO MONYE

BBC Pundit, Ex-Lion – Narrow Escape (For Now)

Monye enjoyed a successful professional rugby career, winning 14 caps for England between 2008 and 2012 and featuring on the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

He made over 240 appearances for Harlequins and was known for his pace, charisma, and finishing ability.

Since retirement, he has become a familiar face on rugby coverage across the BBC and TNT Sports, as well as a popular voice on podcasts and panels. While he’s still a major presence in the media, his recent financial issues may not be over yet.

Ugo Monye narrowly sidestepped bankruptcy – but only thanks to a bizarre twist involving HMRC losing track of his address.

The 41-year-old former England winger was facing a £200,000 tax bill.
HMRC had previously wound up his company, Show Me The Monye, in December 2023.
A bankruptcy petition followed – but when HMRC couldn’t locate him to serve papers, the High Court threw out the case.
At a recent hearing, the judge said: “Permission to withdraw the bankruptcy petition granted,” confirming the case couldn’t proceed.

Despite being regularly seen on the BBC, TNT Sports and Six Nations coverage, HMRC has not explained how Monye evaded notice, or if they plan to try again.

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