AUSTRALIAN rugby is in shock after the sudden death of former Wallabies star Dan Vickerman.
The 37-year-old passed away on Saturday night. It’s believed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
He leaves behind a wife and two young children.
Former teammates who were told the news today have been left devastated.
“The rugby world is in shock today after news of the tragic passing of Dan Vickerman,” Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver said.
A tribute to former Australian Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman 0:58
Rugby: A tribute to former Australian Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman following his passing.
“Dan was an uncompromising competitor who forged a wonderful international rugby career despite a number of injury setbacks along the way.
“He was an enforcer on the field and a much-loved character off the field. He cared deeply about the game and the players, helping players transition into life after rugby in his role with RUPA following his retirement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan’s family at this extremely difficult time.”
Dan Vickerman was one of the Wallabies toughest forwards.Source:News Corp Australia
Vickerman played 63 Tests for Australia between 2002 to 2011, including that year’s World Cup in which Australia made the semi-final.
He was forced to prematurely retire in 2012 due to persistent problems with stress fractures in his right leg.
Post football, Vickerman worked in the real estate and development industry.
Vickerman, born in South Africa’s Cape Town, spent time playing and studying as a teenager in England before moving to Australia in 2000 and becoming a favourite at the Sydney University club.
His talents were obvious and he was quickly selected for the Australian under-21s side that year.
The next season he was playing for the Brumbies, who won the Super Rugby premiership that year.
Dan Vickerman studied in Cambridge before returning to the Wallabies in 2011.Source:News Limited
In 2002 he made his debut for the Wallabies in Sydney against France, and the 204cm, 119kg giant became renowned as one of Australia’s toughest ever locks over the next decade.
At 28 and in the prime of his career, Vickerman quit the Waratahs, who he joined in 2004, and Wallabies to study a degree in Land Economics at Cambridge University in the United Kingdom.
Upon his graduation in 2011, then Wallabies coach Robbie Deans immediately recalled him to the national side, such was his stature and ability.
Vickerman helped Australia win the Tri-Nations that year and played his final Test match in the semi-final defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland.
Vickerman had remained involved in the game as part of the Sydney Rugby Business Network and helping at Sydney University Rugby club until last year.
Rugby Union Players’ Association boss Ross Xenos said: “On behalf of all players, we extend our deepest sympathies to Dan’s young family at this difficult time. We are truly shocked and united in our despair.
“Dan was universally respected by his peers and the rugby community during and beyond his playing days. Since retiring, he was very generous in giving back to the game through coaching and voluntary roles supporting players’ off-field development.
“We encourage all players who are affected by today’s terribly sad news to support and be there for each other and to contact RUPA if they would like to talk.”
Originally published as Former Wallaby Vickerman tragically dies
