Three England Rugby Legends Declared Bankrupt in the Last Year
Rugby NewsSaturday, 24 May 2025 at 07:38
The rugby world has been rocked as three former England greats – have all faced serious financial trouble in the past 12 months. Here's the breakdown:
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? PHIL VICKERY
World Cup Winner, Former England Captain – Bankrupt
Vickery was a cornerstone of England’s front row during the 2003 World Cup triumph and earned 73 caps for his country, including stints as captain.
A two-time British & Irish Lions tourist (2001 and 2009), he also found domestic success with Gloucester and Wasps, winning the Premiership with both clubs. After retiring, he transitioned into business and media work, but his off-field ventures have now unraveled.
Phil Vickery, part of England’s iconic 2003 World Cup-winning squad, was officially declared bankrupt in March 2024.
- The 48-year-old ex-prop filed a debtor’s petition himself.
- He owed £97,806 to his own management company, Vix Limited – which is now in liquidation.
- The company also racked up a further £71,000 in unpaid VAT, PAYE and NI contributions to HMRC.
- His bankruptcy was approved on February 21, and he resigned from at least four business roles around that time.
A source close to the situation claimed Vickery had built up debts in the hundreds of thousands, affecting both business contacts and the tax office.
? 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.
- The ruling came just two days after an Insolvency and Companies Court hearing flagged the likelihood of an order being issued.
- Dallaglio had previously dodged bankruptcy in 2022 by agreeing to repay £700,000 in unpaid tax.
- This latest blow appears linked to a £2.7 million sale of the Richmond home he shared with estranged wife Alice – who reportedly initiated the emergency court request.
- One of Dallaglio’s creditors went on to secure the bankruptcy.
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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