Tributes are flowing for former Wallabies star Dan Vickerman, who has died, age 37, at his family home in Sydney on Saturday night.
Vickerman played 63 Tests in his career after making his Test debut against France in 2002, but was forced into early retirement by stress fractures in his right leg.
Rest in Peace, Dan Vickerman. 63 Tests, three Rugby World Cups, infinite respect. https://t.co/9Vl33SrQGN pic.twitter.com/mTfur3GeTi
— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) February 19, 2017
Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver paid tribute to the giant lock.
“Dan was an uncompromising competitor who forged a wonderful international rugby career despite a number of injury setbacks along the way,” he said.
“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.”
As well as the Wallabies, Vickerman also played for both the Brumbies and the Waratahs in an 86-game Super Rugby career.
Rest In Peace, Dan Vickerman. 63 Tests, three Rugby World Cups, 53 Waratahs games. He will always be remembered https://t.co/uStsAc3uZc pic.twitter.com/WYRYdrEUbe
— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) February 19, 2017
Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends, and all who knew Dan, at this difficult time. RIP Dan Vickerman.
— Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) February 19, 2017
NSW Rugby Union and Waratahs CEO Andrew Hore said:
“Today our NSW Rugby and Waratahs community is in mourning after the tragic passing of Dan Vickerman.
“Dan was well respected for his on field leadership and performance and equally respected by all that knew him off the field.
“His tireless commitment and passion to helping improve Rugby as well as his commitment to supporting players throughout their careers through his role with RUPA, is a legacy that will long live on.
“The shockwaves of his tragic passing will be felt right across our rugby community. Our thoughts are with his wife Sarah, their two sons and other friends and family during this difficult time.”
RUPA CEO Ross Xenos encouraged all players affected by the tragic news to seek help.
“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,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Further tributes from the national and international rugby communities are flowing to Vickerman online.
Hard to sum up but Dan Vickerman was just one of the good guys. Brutal on field, terrific bloke off it. Loving dad. He’ll be missed by many.
— Iain Payten (@iainpayten) February 19, 2017
On behalf of the Rugby community in Queensland, the QRU sends its condolences to the family following the passing of Wallaby Dan Vickerman.
— Queensland Reds (@Reds_Rugby) February 19, 2017
Saddened to hear of Dan Vickerman’s sudden passing. Way too soon. Bloody sad.
— Daniel MacPherson (@DanMacPherson) February 19, 2017
The #AllBlacks join the rugby family in mourning the passing of former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/uBxw8zK7tm
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) February 19, 2017
Vale Dan Vickerman. Great Wallaby lock, very committed to giving back to the game. Just devastating. Thoughts with his family.
— Peter FitzSimons (@Peter_Fitz) February 19, 2017
Our thoughts and condolences go out to Dan’s family and friends at this difficult time. RIP Dan Vickerman. https://t.co/Ycl92ecXZ9
— Welsh Rugby Union ?? (@WelshRugbyUnion) February 19, 2017
Vicks was somebody everyone loved playing alongside. Learnt so much from him. Thinking of his family and team mates. Rest in peace mate.
— Stephen Moore (@stevemoore83) February 19, 2017
Waking up to sad news about Dan Vickerman this morning. Always enjoyed playing against him. A real competitor and a great guy.
— Victor Matfield (@VictorMatfield) February 19, 2017
Shocked an old team mate Dan Vickerman has passed away..Grateful to have played along side you..Thoughts & prayers are with his wife & 2kids
— Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper) February 19, 2017
Words can’t express my sadness #RIPbigV
— Nathan Sharpe (@NathanSharpe5) February 19, 2017
Photo: Getty / Cameron Spencer.
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