FORMER WALLABIES LOCK Dan Vickerman has passed away suddenly at the age of 37, plunging the rugby world into a state of shock.
The South African-born lock, who played 63 Tests for the Wallabies up until 2011, passed away at his family home in Sydney late on Saturday, the Australian Rugby Union said in a statement.
Vickerman leaves behind wife Sarah and two sons. Authorities have yet to comment on the cause of death.
“The rugby world is in shock today after news of the tragic passing of Dan Vickerman,” ARU chief executive Bill Pulver said.
“Dan was an uncompromising competitor who forged a wonderful international rugby career despite a number of injury setbacks along the way.
“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 (the players association) RUPA following his retirement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan’s family at this extremely difficult time.”
Former Wallaby Phil Waugh, a close friend and teammate, said it was a terrible day for rugby in Australia.
“We all have huge admiration for the guy that he was,” Waugh said.
“He’s a guy that necessarily wasn’t the loudest in the team, but had the most respect from everyone playing with him. There’s so many positive memories of him on and off the field.”
Another former Wallabies teammate Matt Burke added: “Very abrasive as a player but a great lad, great tourist, a very good player and was just one of the good lads that you enjoyed his company.”
Springbok great Victor Matfield tweeted: “Waking up to sad news about Dan Vickerman this morning. Always enjoyed playing against him. A real competitor and a great guy.”
RUPA CEO Ross Xenos said Vickerman was well-respected in the rugby world.
“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,” Xenos said.
“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.”
Born in Cape Town, Vickerman moved to Australia and the Brumbies in the 2001 season.
The following year he made his Test debut in a 31-25 Wallabies victory over France in Sydney.
Following three seasons with the Brumbies, Vickerman joined the Waratahs in 2004 where he played five seasons in Sydney.
After playing in his second Rugby World Cup in 2007 in France, he quit international rugby for three years to study in England and earned a degree in Land Economics from Cambridge University.
While in England he played in two Varsity matches and also had a short stint with the Northampton Saints in the 2009-10 season.
The towering backrower returned to Australia to continue his career with the Waratahs and Wallabies, earning a place in the Wallabies’ 2011 Rugby World Cup squad.
Vickerman made his final Test appearance in the 2011 World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Auckland.
He was forced to retire in 2012 through persistent problems with stress fractures in his right leg.
After retiring Vickerman worked in the real estate and development industry and was helping at Sydney University Rugby club until last year.
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R.I.P.
@Mícheál Moran: awful news, heart goes out to his family
Tragic news. Thoughts are with his family. May he rest in peace.
That’s so sad
I just felt ridiculously sad reading that.. 41 year old former athlete. Cancer is so horrible, we all must know someone touched by it.
Terrible news. Why does life have to be so cruel to those so young. May he rest in peace
R. I. P.
Condolences to family & friends.
Very sad news. God love his family. No doubt he fought this like he played football… he gave it everything.
Very disrespectful to call him ‘O’Connor’ instead of his first name. Shame on you at the Journal
@Carol Cunningham: actually change my post to ‘Shame on you Fintan O’Brien’
‘
@Carol Cunningham: I don’t think any disrespect was meant. Usually sports stars are referred to by their surname.
@Carol Cunningham: calm down
@Carol Cunningham: Christ, you have a lot to be complaining about. Maybe just leave your sympathies to this man’s family and be done with it. A journalist calling him by his surname as would be done when he was a player is hardly disrespectful to the man. The piece is well written and strikes the right tone.
Clearly a good man in every field of life. Condolences to his wife and young children, it’s always heart breaking to see someone so young and strong taken from all that knew and loved him. He was a fine player RIP
May he rest in peace
Terrible parallels with the 1990 team. RIP Kieran. So sad this evening
RIP.
Rip kieran.all Ireland winner.
Jesus that’s terrible news. Saw him a good few times playing with cork & he was a tough competitor. Condolences to his family & friends at this tough time RIP
Rip Kieran. A gentleman.
Condolences to Kierans family and friends. So sad to see someone so young taken from us. Rip
RIP.
Terrible news. RIP.
A tragically young age. RIP
So sad.
Great player from a great club.
Condolences to his family.
R.I.P.
Terrible news.rip keiran..
Mo chomhbhrón
God bless good sir
Very sad News,fought hard tough battle with bravery & Grace,my condolences to the family & close friends!
RIP
Rest in peace .
God rest his soul and give his family strength at this difficult time rip.
Can I just say how much of a class act Davy Russell is.
Great ambassador for Cork Football and so sad for his family & community. Condolences.
R.I.P