Another 2003 Rugby World Cup Winner Declared Bankrupt After Divorce

Thursday, 05 February 2026 at 07:43

byRugby Rucker

can reveal the former England and British and Irish Lions wing entered into an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) almost two months after a bankruptcy petition against him was withdrawn by HM Revenue and Customs.

The rugby world has been rocked by revelations that a number of former England internationals are now battling serious financial difficulties.

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Once at the top of the game, these four ex-stars have seen their fortunes take a brutal downturn — and their stories make for sobering reading.

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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.

He’s endured a brutal run – a divorce, bankruptcy, and long spells grappling with mental health issues.

Victory shouldn’t come at this cost. And Vickery isn’t afraid to call it out.

“Victory shouldn’t cost this much, and the men and women who run this sport should be ashamed about the state some of the players who gave their lives to it are in now,” he says. “It’s not about finger pointing, it’s not about blame, it’s just trying to get across what reality is. And it’s not all doom and gloom. We’ve got some amazing guys in the squad. Incredibly successful people.”

But even the strongest have scars.

“But everyone is fighting a battle somewhere. And if a big old oaf like me can be bothered to stand up and go: ‘I’m Phil Vickery, MBE, England captain, played in three Rugby World Cups, won the European Cup, duh-duh-duh-duh-duh, and actually I’ve fucking battled and I’ve struggled, and if that helps somebody, brilliant.’”

Now he’s one of many former players taking legal action against World Rugby, the RFU, and WRU – accusing the powers-that-be of failing to protect them from the long-term damage of repeated brain trauma.

“I knew that I had issues with memory and brain,” Vickery says. “Then when I went for the scan, it came back and showed probable CTE [chronic traumatic encephalopathy], which I kind of knew before I’d even had it done. I said that to the guy: ‘I know something’s wrong with me.’ But I didn’t want to do anything about it. There are lots of people out there now who are in denial, but have got issues and problems. I know it. But anyway, that’s another story.”

Another story? Not really. It’s the story of rugby today — and it’s one that’s impossible to ignore.

? 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

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.

According to The Telegraph, Monye has now signed a legally binding agreement to pay off his tax debts after avoiding being declared bankrupt.

Telegraph Sport