Shock at death of Wallaby Vickerman
The rugby world has been rocked by news former Wallaby Dan Vickerman has died.
The 63-test Wallaby is understood to have died on Saturday night. It is believed there were no suspicious circumstances.
Vickerman leaves behind a wife, Sarah, and two young children.
His death follows those of great South African halfback Joost van der Westhuizen, aged 45, and former All Black loose forward Sione Lauaki, 35, this month.
South Africa-born Vickerman, 37, was a lock for the Wallabies between 2002 and 2011 and played his professional career with the Waratahs and Brumbies.
He was forced to retire in 2012 due to persistent injuries to his leg. He carved out a career in commercial real estate following retirement.
The All Blacks paid their respects, tweeting that they ‘‘join the rugby family in mourning the passing of former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman. Rest in Peace.’’
Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver expressed his condolences, saying Vickerman was a well-loved figure amongst rugby circles.
‘‘The rugby world is in shock today after news of the tragic passing of Dan Vickerman,’’ Pulver said in a statement. ‘‘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.’’
Phil Waugh, a close friend of Vickerman’s and a teammate at Sydney University, NSW and Australia, said it was a terrible day for rugby in Australia.
‘‘We all have huge admiration for the guy that he was,’’ Waugh said. ‘‘He was one of those players when you’re standing next to him in the change room and he’s running out next to you, you had so much confidence. 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.
‘‘He was an uncompromising competitor. Nothing came easy to him and he worked hard for what he got out of the game. He was a very good friend of mine and we caught up frequently and it’s a huge loss to all of us.
‘‘Everyone’s deeply shocked and saddened by it. It’s just a terrible, terrible tragedy that has rocked everyone.’’
Another former Wallabies teammate, Matt Burke – who was unaware of the news when contacted – could not speak highly enough of the man who played 53 matches in the sky blue jersey.
‘‘Very abrasive as a player but a good bloke, though,’’ Burke said. ‘‘Great lad, great tourist, a very good player who came across from South Africa as a young bloke, played Waratahs, played Brumbies, played Wallabies. He could really play and was just one of the good lads that you enjoyed his company.’’
Former Wallaby legend Simon Poidevin said in a text message: ‘‘Absolute tragedy, we are all in shock’’.
Jeremy Paul, who featured in 72 tests for the Wallabies, paid tribute to Vickerman.
‘‘He had such a life to live with his wife Sarah and their two young kids,’’ Paul told Fox Sports News. ‘‘All our hearts and well wishes go to Sarah and the two little kids.
‘‘It’s a bit of a shock. He actually came out and did some work for me in regards to Penrith when I was coaching the Shute Shield and we’ve always tried to catch up.’’