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We caught up with the man dubbed 'Raging Bull' to ask him about the contest, his new car, and what it felt like to lift the World Cup in 2003.

"It was a surreal feeling. It took a long time to sink in."

In 2003 Phil Vickery was part of the England Rugby team victorious in that year's Rugby World Cup in Australia. Along with then captain Martin Johnson and Jonny Wilkinson, he played a vital role in securing the title.

But now the attention shifts to France for 2007's tournament. Having completed a personal training programme Vickery has now flew over to France last week to begin training with the squad. I ask Phil how preparations are going.

"The preparations have gone extremely well," says Phil. "It has been a very tough time not just physically but mentally, with a lot of pressure on the guys to perform and ensure that they would make the final squad. But the players have said all along that it is about peaking at the right time, so the team can get the results that are expected of such a talented bunch of players."

The 31-year-old captain's route to fame began when he began playing for Gloucester, where he picked up the nickname 'Raging Bull'. Vickery played for the cherry and reds for over a decade, but it was an experience which saw what he considers one of the low points of his career.

"The worst moment must be when we lost the Premiership Grand final to Wasps at Twickenham," says Phil. "We'd won the league by 16 points (which at the time was a record). It was the first year the concept of a Grand Final had been put into place. After being top all season we ended up with nothing, which was hard to take."

But his fortunes reversed in 1998, when Vickery was selected for the England side.

"The best moment of my career so far has to be my first England Cap against Wales at Twickenham in '98," says Phil. "It was always my dream when I started playing to play for England and I couldn’t believe it was happening to me. It was a proud moment for me and my whole family."

Another proud moment occurred when Vickery was made captain of the England squad which toured Argentina in 2002.

“Brian Ashton rang whilst I was at home with my family,” says Phil.”I asked to have some time to think it over. I talked it over with my wife Kate, regarding issues outside of the rugby team, like dealing with the press - and all the added pressure and expectation that goes with being the England Captain. I called him back ten minutes later to say yes.”

Phil love of cars extends to the specially badged Mitsubishi L200 ‘Raging Bull’ which he drives – named after his clothing company.

“What I like about the Mitsubishi L200 is the clean slick modern look of the truck,” says Phil. “And it’s reliable – which is really important to me, and efficient off-road. Having the specially-badged L200 is a great opportunity for Mitsubishi and Raging Bull to develop a great relationship.”

Finally – what is Phil looking forward top most in the World Cup?

“All the teams that we will play against will be a great challenge for us,” says Phil. “But I am looking forward to playing against the Samoans who will always hit hard and a have a great attitude to the game. They always play with a smile on their faces!”

Rugby World Cup links

Rugby World Cup 2007: Stadium guide
World Cup Knockout Competition
Rugby World Cup: How to get there
Rugby World Cup: Arrive in style
Get the Rugby World Cup in your Car

External links

Phil clothing company – Raging Bull

Mitsubishi UK

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