Phil Vickery pledges brain donation as he confronts CTE diagnosis and suicide thoughts

Former England rugby captain Phil Vickery, a 2003 World Cup winner who earned 73 caps and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions, disclosed a probable diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In a candid interview he said he has contemplated suicide and urged stronger action on player safety. Vickery pledged to donate his brain for research into neuro‑degenerative disease caused by repeated head injuries.

He is one of more than 1,000 former players involved in a concussion lawsuit against World Rugby, the Rugby Football Union, the Welsh Rugby Union and the Rugby Football League, accusing the bodies of failing to protect athletes. The case recently saw the lead solicitor dismissed and a senior judge reserve judgment on a potential strike‑out of hundreds of claims.