The rugby community is in mourning after news former Wallabies star Dan Vickerman died aged 37 in his family home on Saturday night.
Vickerman’s death came about two weeks after news that Springboks great Joost van der Westhuizen had died from a form of motor neurone disease at the age of 45.
Here is how social media reacted:
TRIBUTES
Eddie Jones pays tribute to Dan Vickerman, who has sadly passed away aged 37: https://t.co/Ytvx6SFWVq #RugbyFamily pic.twitter.com/mtv7gOmF0s
— England Rugby (@EnglandRugby) 19 February 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
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
Dan Vickerman. Legend of both Australian & Cambridge University Rugby. Gone way too soon at 37…RIP
— Jamie Roberts (@Jamiehuwroberts) 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
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
No words, only love. Rest easy Big Vicks. pic.twitter.com/9zOwcdkAFX
— Adam Freier (@Adam_Freier) February 19, 2017
Incredibly sad to wake up to the news about Dan Vickerman. One of the greats on & off the field Thoughts are with his family
Rest Easy Vicks— James Horwill (@JHorwill) February 19, 2017
Incredibly sad news to hear of the passing of Dan Vickerman. A true competitor on the pitch.Thoughts with his young family#RIPDanVickerman
— Lewis Moody (@LewisMoody7) February 19, 2017
All my thoughts and prayers with Dan Vickerman’s friends and family. Such sad news. RIP Dan
— Danny Care (@dannycare) February 19, 2017
Terrible news to wake up to about Dan Vickerman, excellent operator and a tough player. Bloody sad
— Adam Jones (@adamjones3) February 19, 2017
Very saddened to learn of the passing of Dan Vickerman. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, children, friends and family. #RIPVicks
— Michael Lynagh (@LynaghMichael) 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
Just horrible sad news to wake to.. The big V.. Always a protector for me on the field & a great drinking partner off it.. Rest easy Vicks 😢
— Matt Giteau (@giteau_rugby) February 19, 2017
Really sad news and a real shock – thoughts with family and everyone who played with Dan @qantaswallabies , great guy and great player https://t.co/hjwuXCmuE5
— Sir Clive Woodward (@CliveWoodward) February 19, 2017