England legend Lawrence Dallaglio shares devastating Christmas Day news
Rugby NewsSaturday, 27 December 2025 at 09:30
, the break-up came after serious financial struggles, with two of their businesses failing to file accounts for the past four years.
England World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio has shared the heartbreaking news that his father, Vincenzo Dallaglio, has passed away.
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The former England captain confirmed the sad news on Christmas Day, revealing that his father died peacefully following a long battle with dementia. Vincenzo was 91.
Taking to social media, Dallaglio paid a touching tribute to the man he called “Papa” and “Nonno”, describing him as humble, wise and devoted to his family.
“My Papa Vincenzo Dallaglio, our Nonno, passed away peacefully this week after a long battle with dementia,” he wrote.
“Thinking of anyone missing someone they love this Christmas. He was an unassuming, humble and wise Italian man who worked so hard all his life to give me, Francesca and Eileen every chance to shine.”
Dallaglio added that while his father was not originally a rugby fan, he grew into one over the years – even if he struggled to get a word in when sitting next to his wife during matches.
“At 91 Vincenzo truly lived a life and even became a rugby fan along the way, although he never managed to get a word in edgeways when he sat next to my mum Eileen when watching any match!
He is now on his way to join Eileen and Francesca. Rest easy Papa. Rest easy Nonno.”
Dallaglio’s mother Eileen passed away in 2012, while his sister Francesca tragically died aged just 19 in the Marchioness disaster in 1989. The Thames tragedy claimed 51 lives and had a profound impact on the former England skipper, who was just 16 at the time.
The 2003 Rugby World Cup winner has previously spoken movingly about his parents’ journey to the UK and their life in East London.
“My father was Italian by birth and came over to England in the Fifties,” he once said. “He only planned to stay a short time, but then he met my mother.
“They ran a sweet shop in Bethnal Green. It was a tough way to earn a living, but it was a real community back then – everyone still had a smile on their face.”
Dallaglio also spoke proudly of his heritage, adding:
“I’ve got 44 first cousins. Half-Irish, half-Italian makes you quite a dangerous Englishman. I’m proud of my roots, even though I’ve always felt English.”
Dallaglio was a central figure in England’s historic 2003 World Cup triumph and remains one of the most recognisable figures in the sport.
EDITORS PICKS:
Former teammates offer support to bankrupt 2003 Rugby World Cup star
Here’s a look at five ex-Red Rose stars whose lives have taken a tough turn off the pitch, including THREE 2003 Rugby World Cup winners.
? JAMES HASKELL
Former England star James Haskell is deep in financial trouble
Court documents reveal he’s locked in a legal dispute with his landlord over damage to property and equipment linked to his failed gym business.
The ex-back rower, 40, launched a F45 gym in Bath back in 2017—but the venture couldn’t survive the pandemic. Now, his company Hask 45 (Bath) Ltd is nearly £1 million in the red.
According to the latest filings, the business is battling a legal claim over unpaid rent and costly repairs, with £927,738 in total liabilities—£437,000 of which is owed to another of Haskell’s own companies.
Big plans to expand the gym chain to London and Manchester were scrapped after COVID hit. Hask 45 (Manchester) Ltdclosed in March 2021, while Hask 45 (Richmond) Ltd followed in September 2022.
Another of his companies, Hask 45 Ltd, has also filed debts of £456,367 as of May 2024.
It doesn’t stop there—two of Haskell’s other sports-related businesses are also in the red. James Haskell Health & Fitness Ltd is down £58,318, and Rugby Connections UK Ltd is £68,855 in debt.
All told, the former Wasps and England man is facing a combined £1.5 million debt pile across four firms.
? 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 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.
? BEN COHEN
Kristina Rihanoff and Ben Cohen are in hot water – with reports claiming the pair are battling a £1million debt and a row with creditors.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star, 47, and ex-England winger Cohen, 46, called time on their 12-year relationship this month, falling victim to the so-called “Strictly curse.”
According to The Sun
Companies House has attempted to strike the firms off – but creditors have stepped in, halting the closures and piling further pressure on the pair.
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