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Dan Vickerman has died at the age of 37, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has confirmed
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Vickerman played 63 Tests for Australia after his 2002 debut and featured in three World Cups
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No details of the cause of death have been disclosed
Former Wallabies, Brumbies and Waratahs second-row Dan Vickerman has passed away at his family home in Sydney overnight. He was just 37.
Vickerman played 63 Tests for the Wallabies in an international rugby career spanning a decade from 2002-2011. His final Test appearance was the 2011 Rugby World Cup semi-final defeat against New Zealand in Auckland.
The Cape Town-born lock forward moved to Australia at the age of 21 and signed for Super Rugby franchise the Brumbies in 2001 before going on to make his Test debut for the Wallabies in June 2002 against France.
He then joined the Waratahs in 2004, playing five seasons for them which included a Rugby World Cup call-up for Australia in 2007.
After taking a break from professional rugby to study at Cambridge University, he then returned to Australia and claimed a place in their squad for their 2011 Rugby World Cup squad. Vickerman retired due to injury in 2012.
“The rugby world is in shock today after news of the tragic passing of Dan Vickerman,” said ARU CEO, Bill Pulver upon hearing the news.
“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.”