Rugby World Cup winner Phil Vickery brings clothing line to Llandudno

The former England captain's own clothing range - Raging Bull - is one of the new brands available at the store.

Store manager Claire McElroy said the legends visit was the perfect way to launch the new department.

"We have spent a long time planning and investing in this refurbishment," she said. "We wanted to bring in some exciting brands and Raging Bull is exactly that.

"Phil coming along himself to help launch it has been amazing and the customers have really loved it."

England World Cup winner Phil Vickery chatting to Clare's store manager Claire McElroy at the pop-up Conwy Brewery bar. (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest)

During his visit, Vickery confessed his love for Wales, even having recently attended the Royal Welsh Show.

"I'm a Cornish farm boy," he said. "Farming is in my blood and I don't think anyone farms better than the farmers of Wales. I went to the Royal Welsh actually and was blown away by the sheer volume of produce and the show of animals and stock and I'm envious of that."

Vickery spent time meeting and greeting customers through the afternoon, signing rugby balls and answering questions.

The event also saw live music from Finnlay K and free beer courtesy of Conwy Brewery.

Finnlay K performing at Clare's launch event (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest)

"Everyone knows Clare's," said Claire. "But we know there are people who have not been in for a long time because they think we sell more formal ranges.

"With the brands we've brought in - and Raging Bull as the flagship - we're sending a strong message that the high street is still thriving so come and take a look, you'll probably be surprised!" 

That was a sentiment echoed by Vickery: "We started Raging Bull in the early 2000s selling sportswear then, around 2005, we started looking at lifestyle as an extension of that.

"Now being here today in Llandudno with the brand I feel really proud. We very much built the brand with independents and small shops and now we're building into bigger retailers.

Former British and Irish Lion Phil Vickery spent time chatting to customers at Clare's in Llandudno. (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest)

"But it's never left me - being part of real communities, real stores, real people. The reality is I've done some amazing things in rugby with England and the British and Irish Lions but I'm a farmer's son from North Cornwall. I've never forgotten my roots and that we need to cut across all sectors of retail."

Clare's customers were kind to Vickery, not ribbing him too much for his England past.

"I'm technically a Celt myself! We're all passionate about our countries - and no nation is more passionate than the Welsh - but ultimately for me that passion is a huge plus."

Phil Vickery with Llandudno deputy mayor Antony Bertola at Clare's (Image: Alec Doyle, Newsquest)

So is there a potential Raging Bull/Wales collaboration in the pipeline? 

"Never say never," said Phil. "There's lots to do. We're constantly looking at opportunities, not just from a commercial perspective, but I'm very lucky that we have a good team of people and a customer base that is incredibly loyal and it just all makes me so proud."