Rugby legend Phil Vickery launches fashion label in Norwich

Emma Harrowing Thursday, October 25, 2012
3:52 PM

Ex-England rugby union captain Phil ‘Raging Bull’ Vickery officially launched his fashion brand for men at House of Fraser in Chapelfield.

Queues of rugby and fashion fans formed in the department store this afternoon all wanting a piece of the action.

Vickery’s fashion label, aptly named Raging Bull, consists of a casual collection of lambswool V-neck jumpers, checked shirts, striped rugby tops, jeans, t-shirts and chinos.

Talking about his transition from the rugby pitch to the field of fashion Vickery says that his new brand is bringing the power of the pitch into fashion.

“I dislike anything sub-standard and I did see a lot of clothing brands that I thought were not doing it well,” says Vickery. “You can either moan about it or make a difference. The rugby fraternity is very passionate and honest and I wanted to build that in Raging Bull.

“Working in fashion is a lot like being on the rugby field - both have challenges; luckily I don’t have any one wanting to hit me in the face now that I work in the fashion industry. Well not at the moment anyway!”

Vickery’s successful rugby career saw him being part of the England World Cup winning squad in 2003, playing in three rugby World Cups, becoming England captain and touring Australia and South Africa with the British and Irish Lions. This year Worcester Warriors announced that Vickery will join the club as their new assistant forwards (scrum) coach for this season.

“There are a lot of strong talented players coming through to the England team at the moment,” says Vickery. “Take North Walsham lad Ben Youngs he is a great player and with talent like this England are in a strong position.

“As for me I was not very skilled on the pitch but I had a lot of passion. It’s the same situation I find myself in launching a fashion brand.

“It’s mindblowing to see my fashion brand here in House of Fraser Norwich, I just cannot wait for the Spring and Summer collection to be launched. The collections will always stay true to the Raging Bull core values of honesty and integrity instead of following fashion trends. However, I’m pleased to see that the gilet is proving to be a big trend this autumn. I always wear mine so I must be doing something right!”

Read the full interview with Phil Vickery about his Raging Bull collection by clicking the link at the top right of this page.