Aussie rugby mourns death of Dan Vickerman at 37
Australian rugby is mourning the death of former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman at age 37.
The Australian Rugby Union confirmed that Vickerman died at his family home in Sydney on Saturday night. It is understood there were no suspicious circumstances. He leaves a wife and two young children. Born in South Africa, Vickerman moved to Australia at age 21 and went on to play 63 tests and three World Cup tournaments for his adopted nation from 2002-2011 before injuries forced his retirement in 2012.
“The rugby world is in shock today after news of the tragic passing of Dan Vickerman,” said ARU chief executive Bill Pulver.
“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 [ Rugby Union Players’ Association] following his retirement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Dan’s family at this extremely difficult time.”
RUPA chief executive 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.”
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.
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.
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, Britain.
Upon his graduation in 2011, then Wallabies coach Robbie Deans immediately recalled Vickerman to the national side, such was his stature and ability.
He helped Australia win the TriNations that year, and played his final test match in the semifinal defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland.