Phil Vickery factfile

Skysports.com details milestones in the career of the former England captain, who has retired.

Skysports.com gives the career milestones of the former England captain, whose retirement was announced on Thursday. 1976: Born March 14 in Barnstaple. Begins rugby career with Bude and later plays for Redruth. 1995: Joins Gloucester. 1998: February 21 - Makes England debut in Five Nations match against Wales after just 34 appearances at club level. 1999: Recovers from neck injury to play for England in the World Cup. 2001: Plays all three Tests for the British and Irish Lions against Australia. 2002: Captains a below-strength England to Test victory over Argentina in Buenos Aires. 2003: February - Misses England's Grand Slam campaign after suffering a disc injury. October - Plays in every World Cup match and starts the final as England beat Australia 20-17. 2005: Misses the British and Irish Lions' tour to New Zealand with a broken arm. 2006: Requires a third back operation. Leaves Gloucester after 11 years and signs three-year deal with Wasps. 2007: January 2 - Appointed England captain by new head coach Brian Ashton for the Six Nations May - Wins the Heineken Cup with Wasps. October - Captains England to the World Cup final, where they are eventually beaten by South Africa. 2008: Wins the Guinness Premiership title with Wasps. 2009: Selected for the British and Irish Lions' tour of South Africa. Starts the first Test defeat and the third Test victory. October - Requires neck surgery after a scrum collapses in a game against Racing Metro. 2010: October 28 - Announces his retirement after suffering another neck injury.