South African-born Former Wallaby Dan Vickerman Tragically Passes Away at 37

South African-born former Australian lock Daniel (Dan) Vickerman has tragically died at the age of 37.

As messages of condolences and shock poured in from around the world, Australian Rugby Union (ARU) confirmed Dan passed away at home in Sydney on Saturday night. He leaves his wife Sarah and two sons.

ARU boss 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.”

The former Capetonian attended Bishops College and played for South Africa U21 in 1999 before moving to Australia. Today Bishops Rugby posted a tribute and said: “We are devastated to hear the news of the untimely passing of OD Dan Vickerman… Rest in Peace.”

Dan made his debut for the Wallabies in 2002, and played a total of 63 Test matches before recurring leg injuries forced him to retire in 2012. ARU said since retiring Dan had been very generous in giving back to the game through coaching and voluntary roles helping players transition to life off the field.

During his rugby career in Australia Dan played for both the Brumbies and Waratahs in Super Rugby. In 2008 he took a three-year break from international rugby to study at Cambridge University in the UK… where he graduated with a degree in Land Economics, as well as playing for Cambridge and Premier side Northampton Saints.

No details have been given about the cause of death, although it is believed there are no suspicious circumstances.

Earlier this month Dan had been looking forward to the future, with a new job at investment company Newgate Capital Partners. On 01 February 2017, Dan tweeted: “Fantastic to be joining the Newgate Team. Exciting times ahead!!!!”

His former teammates and friends have paid tribute to a man who was popular and had participated in three Rugby World Cups. They’ve described him as a “big man with a soft heart” who “spoke from the heart and he spoke straight”.

Former Wallabies teammate, Matt Burke, told Australian media: “Very abrasive as a player but a good bloke, though. Great lad, great tourist, a very good player who came across from South Africa as a young bloke, played Waratahs, played Brumbies, played Wallabies. He could really play and was just one of the good lads that you enjoyed his company.”

Fellow Wallaby and close friend, Phil Waugh, who was also a teammate at Sydney University and New South Wales, said: “We all have huge admiration for the guy that he was. He was one of those players when you’re standing next to him in the change room and he’s running out next to you, you had so much confidence. He’s a guy that necessarily wasn’t the loudest in the team, but had the most respect from everyone playing with him…

“He was an uncompromising competitor. Nothing came easy to him and he worked hard for what he got out of the game. He was a very good friend of mine and we caught up frequently and it’s a huge loss to all of us.

“Everyone’s deeply shocked and saddened by it. It’s just a terrible, terrible tragedy that has rocked everyone.”

The Rugby Union Players’ Association extended its sympathies to his family and friends, and encouraged “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.”

Fantastic to be joining the Newgate Team. Exciting times ahead!!!! https://t.co/XopDYdxoxB

— Dan Vickerman (@DanielVickerman) February 1, 2017

https://twitter.com/chiksrokmyworld/status/833224114424991744

https://twitter.com/hershybru/status/833193163259015169

https://twitter.com/eBayDownUnder/status/833184392105242626

RIP 14 548) #Tragedy as #former #Wallaby #Daniel #Vickerman 37 #dies #February 18, 2017 https://t.co/FweVSRTwFv

— Jean Lebrun (@004nino) February 19, 2017

https://twitter.com/Adam_Freier/status/833202966735622144