Rugby world rocked by Vickerman death

THE rugby world was united in grief yesterday after shock news emerged from Australia that former Wallaby lock Dan Vickerman has died, at the age of just 37. A veteran of 63 Tests, who played in three World Cups, he was a respected figure in the game, as was evident from the tributes after the news that he had died at his Sydney home he shared with wife Sarah and their two sons. Eddie Jones, the England head coach, called his compatriot a ‘wonderfully committed team player and a good guy’, while ARU chief executive Bill Pulver lamented the ‘tragic loss of a much-loved character’. Vickerman represented the Brumbies and Waratahs in Super Rugby, but moved north to study at Cambridge University — which led to him featuring in two Varsity matches. He also had a spell with Northampton in the 2009-10 season. The East Midlands club expressed their condolences, while rugby pro and ex-student Jamie Roberts called him a ‘legend of Australian and Cambridge University rugby. Gone way too soon’.