Former Wallaby Dan Vickerman has passed way in his family home overnight at the age of 37.
The circumstances of his death have not yet been made public, but it is understood that they are not suspicious.
Vickerman was born in Cape Town, South Africa but played the bulk of his career in his adopted nation of Australia.
He played 63 Tests for the Wallabies, making his Test debut in Sydney against France in 2002, ultimately retiring in 2012 due to a persistent leg injury.
Vickerman was part of the Wallabies side that finished third in the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The semi-final at that tournament was his final appearance for Australia.
He also played 33 matches for the Brumbies in 2001-03, and 53 for the Waratahs in 2004-08, and a short stint in 2011.
He withdrew from international rugby for three years after the 2007 Rugby World Cup to study in England, but played varsity matches for Cambridge University while there, and enjoyed a brief stint with the Northampton Saints.
Vickerman wrote four articles for us here on The Roar in 2016.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: “The Rugby world is in shock today after news of the tragic passing of Dan Vickerman.
“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.”
RUPA CEO Ross Xenos said: “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.
“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.”
Need help? Anyone can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Springs Old Boy
Guest
Try on You tube - Australia vs. South Africa (2011 RWC Quarter Final) - its 28 minutes long but worth it as always...
tim C12
Guest
Rest well Big man. I'll never forget the cleanout on Heinrich Brussow in that RWC 2011 quarterfinal. That ended Brussow's participation as he was subbed. IMO, that tilted the game in the wallabies favour. I have searched for that clip everywhere without success though. Uncompromising!!
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes tend to agree though I think it's first a matter of first the initial shock of the persons passing regardless of how, paying respect to the man, his family in the first instance, then easing into the issues at some respectable and timely point. On the point of sportsmen managing their lives after long and distinguished careers I do know of at least one particular sport in NZ that has at least five players on 'suicide watch' at any one time and is supporting them to varying degrees. The issue being that after attracting a very good income for so many years the struggle to attract anywhere near that sort of income after spending the most critical period most of us spend building a lifelong career is too much to take. To have to start afresh at 35 or so with no comparable experience or training in nearly all the usual careers most of us find ourselves in by that age, for some it must be debilitating. They can't all remain involved in the sport in any way that is lucrative...there are 11,13, 15 or however many players a sport and only one coach, one manager and a limited number of 'administrative' positions, and as players there are only certain types than can easily merge into those very limited positions. So when our players take these deals in the north although as a fan I can't stand losing them here, the other side to things is they're not only earning higher respective salaries than here, they are earning what they can for their futures, which at 30 and over has a very limited timeline. I think it's largely a hidden issue and I've no idea whether Dan Vickerman is a victim of this or not and am merely raising this as something that came up in conversation last week, as it is probably one of the darker and unfortunately most hidden sides of professional sport these days and agree, there needs to be more work done to support individuals we 'steal' from the mainstream population for a while in terms of their ability to build a lifelong career, dress them up, tell them they're magnificent, then basically cast them aside when they're past it.
Rabbitz
Roar Guru
Hi C, The group of people I am referring to are Roadies. The guys and girls who wear black and carry speakers and run cables. (Amongst other things). As a group we have lost far too many, far too early.
Nx
Guest
I agree with you that they who are after 'gory' details are ghoulish rubberneckers to tragedy. But as I said in my comment, we should confront the issue of suicide as a society and part of that involves honest reporting as to the cause of a person's death. Beyond that, no. No blow-by-blow description. Just honesty.
Nx
Guest
I'm often confused by the tiptoeing language used by media outlets when a public figure dies by their own hand. We are constantly reminded to reach out to those who are suffering from depression and suicidal thoughts, but shy away from using such language when it occurs in the public sphere. All other ailments and traumas are mentioned without quibble, why not suicide? I don't even KNOW if that was Mr Vickerman's cause of death, but it's very much in line in with the language always used when someone kills themselves. Surely if we are to confront the issue, we must not be tacitly dishonest about suicide as a real and present threat in our society. RIP Dan.
jameswm
Roar Guru
doctors I thought
Springs Old Boy
Guest
Im so sad - I loved watching Dan play - as I am an ex Lock of dubious talent Dan was everything I wanted to be. We should all phone a friend today and ask if theyre ok... I also shake my head at some of the posts on here by moguls who want to know all the gory details - almost as though Im back in that small mining town where I came from - shame on you...
James in NZ
Guest
The comment your made last week after Sione's passing re these larger than life heroes being fallible, has been floating around in my head all week. Just read Dan's passing literally moments ago. Just shocking, such a bright young light who looked to have it all. Condolences to the Oz rugby community and his family etc. So unjust.
HarryT
Guest
And there are four times as many 'attempted' suicides.
Bill
Guest
Rest in peace Dan
Bill
Guest
Good response hopefully it leads to something and we don't have to read of another passing
Riccardo
Guest
A fierce competitor. A respected opponent. A good man gone too soon. For shame...
Jeff dustby
Guest
Maybe he cherished that time at uni and had no regrets at all?
Digby
Roar Guru
A sad time. Tragic news. Thoughts with his family and friends.
Rt
Guest
Bravo Topo. If we can't talk about it now then when?
mania
Guest
Rest in love Dan Vickerman
Piet
Guest
Agree. Totally uncalled for.
Rob
Guest
Well said, Rabbitz! I wish there was a way to 'upvote' this to the top of the comments thread.
jarijari
Guest
So tragic. RIP Dan. And vale Joost and Sione. Within a mere fortnight, rugby has lost three of its true greats, all so very young. We'll remember them for their mighty feats on the field, how we so much enjoyed watching them play. Our loss, of course, is totally insignificant compared to that of their families and friends.