Dan Vickerman, the former Wallabies lock, has died at his family home in Sydney at the age of 37. The Cape Town-born player, who earned 63 Test caps for Australia between 2002 and 2011, is survived by his wife and two children.
Vickerman, who played for the Brumbies and Waratahs in Super Rugby, retired in 2012 due to persistent stress fractures in his right leg. After retiring, he worked in commercial real estate and remained involved in rugby through his role with the Rugby Union Players' Association (RUPA).
Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver described Vickerman as an 'uncompromising competitor' who forged a wonderful international career despite injury setbacks. 'He was an enforcer on the field and a much-loved character off the field,' Pulver said.
Tributes flowed from former teammates and rivals. Nathan Sharpe, who played alongside Vickerman in the second row, said: 'I had my arm around you for most of our playing days brother. No words can express the sadness.' Jeremy Paul, a former Brumbies and Wallabies teammate, said he was struggling to comprehend the loss, calling Vickerman 'one of those great characters.'
England head coach Eddie Jones, who gave Vickerman his Australia debut in 2002, sent condolences to his family, saying he was a 'wonderfully committed team player and a good guy.' The All Blacks also paid tribute, tweeting: 'The All Blacks join the rugby family in mourning the passing of former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman. Rest in Peace.'
Vickerman arrived in Australia at age 21 and made his Super Rugby debut for the Brumbies in 2001. He played in the 2007 and 2011 Rugby World Cups, with his final Test appearance coming in the 2011 semi-final against New Zealand. He also studied at Cambridge University and played for Northampton during a stint in England.
