England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup hero looks completely unrecognisable now

. They share a daughter together, though reports in recent years have suggested the relationship has faced challenges, including a reported split.

A cornerstone of England’s Rugby World Cup 2003 triumph, the former tighthead prop has bounced back from divorce and bankruptcy to find renewed purpose through bodybuilding.

Vickery, who also represented the British & Irish Lions and enjoyed successful club spells with Gloucester Rugby and Wasps RFC, admitted that life after rugby proved far from easy. The collapse of his restaurant business, coupled with personal challenges, saw him hit what he described as the lowest point of his life.

Determined to regain control, Vickery turned to bodybuilding ahead of the 20th anniversary of England’s World Cup victory. The discipline of training and nutrition helped him shed an astonishing six stone, dropping from around 24 stone to approximately 18 stone.

His dedication paid off when he secured a third-place finish at the 2024 UK Ultimate Physiques British Open Championships.

Speaking about the transformation, Vickery explained how the gym became a sanctuary during his divorce, allowing him to avoid negative coping mechanisms and focus on self-improvement. The journey not only reshaped his physique but also restored his sense of identity and purpose.

Now in 2026, Vickery continues to inspire others by promoting physical and mental wellbeing while advocating for player welfare, having joined the concussion legal action against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union and the Welsh Rugby Union—proving his legacy extends far beyond the rugby pitch.

From long-lasting marriages to finding love again after splits, here’s a look at who some of the heroes of 2003 settled down with.

England rugby legend Jason Leonard has tied the knot for a second time, marrying long-term partner Amanda in an intimate private ceremony. The former prop recently shared images from the couple’s May wedding on Instagram, giving fans a rare glimpse into his personal life.

Amanda is a respected figure in public relations and has been with Leonard for several years. The World Cup winner has three children from his first marriage to Sandra and has continued to place a strong emphasis on family life since retiring from the game.

The man whose drop goal sealed World Cup glory married long-term partner Shelley Jenkins in October 2013. The couple wed in a private ceremony in southern France after meeting in 2005.

Wilkinson has always kept his personal life out of the spotlight, instead focusing on family life, wellbeing projects and media work following his retirement from professional rugby.

Former England centre Will Greenwood has been married to his wife Caroline for many years. The couple share three children and have spoken openly about the devastating loss of their son Freddie shortly after birth in 2002.

Greenwood and his wife later became involved in charitable work supporting bereaved parents, while he has remained a familiar face in rugby broadcasting.

England’s former captain married Alice in 2005 after a long-term relationship, and the couple went on to have three children together.

However, in recent years it emerged that the pair had separated, bringing an end to their marriage after nearly two decades. Dallaglio has since focused on family, charity work and his ongoing role in rugby media.

Ben Cohen married Abby Blayney in 2003, the same year as England’s World Cup triumph, and the couple welcomed twin daughters before separating in 2014.

After their divorce, Cohen found love again with professional dancer Kristina Rihanoff, whom he met on Strictly Come Dancing

Former scrum-half Matt Dawson was married to Carolin Hauskeller for over a decade, with the couple sharing two sons before announcing their separation in 2020.

Since then, Dawson has found love again and is now in a relationship with personal trainer Elizabeth Kelly, occasionally sharing glimpses of their life together on social media while continuing his media career.

The scorer of England’s only try in the 2003 World Cup final was first married to Amanda, with whom he had six children, before the couple later divorced.

Robinson went on to find love again and married Sian Griffin in 2017. The couple have a son together, and Robinson has spoken about the importance of faith and family following his retirement from rugby.

Mike Tindall’s post-rugby life has been among the most high-profile of the 2003 squad. The former England centre met Zara Phillips — daughter of Princess Anne — during the World Cup in Australia, with their relationship quickly blossoming.

The couple married in July 2011 at Canongate Kirk in Edinburgh and now have three children together. Mia Grace, born in 2014, is their eldest, followed by Lena Elizabeth in 2018. Their youngest, Lucas Philip, was born in 2021 in dramatic fashion, with Zara giving birth at home after labour progressed too quickly to reach hospital.

Despite their royal connections, Mike and Zara have chosen to raise their children without titles, opting for a more down-to-earth upbringing at Gatcombe Park. Tindall has since become a popular media figure through podcasts and TV appearances while embracing family life.