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Dan Vickerman dead: Rugby in shock as former Wallaby dies aged 37

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Former Wallaby Dan Vickerman was remembered by coaches and teammates as an intensely driven young man whose abrasive nature on the field was matched only by his deep thoughtfulness off it.

The Australian rugby community reverberated with shock on Sunday after news spread that Vickerman, a father of two children, had died overnight at the age of 37. Police, who were called to Vickerman's Naremburn home on Sunday morning, said they were not treating the death as suspicious. 

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Dan Vickerman: 1979 - 2017

Former Wallaby Dan Vickerman has died aged 37. The Brumbies and Waratahs veteran played 63 Tests at lock for Australia.

Tributes poured in from around the world, led by the likes of close friend and former teammate Phil Waugh and the coach who gave Vickerman his Test debut, Eddie Jones. "He was the young lad who wanted everything yesterday," Jones said from England. "He was a driven player who matured into an excellent player. [It is] so sad."

John Connolly, who selected the giant South African youngster in the second row for virtually all of his 22 Tests as Australian coach, said the contrast between Vickerman's on- and off-field personas made him a compelling figure. 

"He was incredibly intense and very driven in all aspects of his life, he always had a plan," Connolly said. "To play at the level he did in that position you need that abrasive drive, that anger, and he had all that. But he also had intelligence – around the lineout and in his preparation. And away from footy you couldn't have met a more personable bloke."

Vickerman grew up in Cape Town, attending well-known rugby nursery Bishops Diocesan College and playing for South Africa's under-21 side. He moved to Australia in 2001, at 21 years old, to take up a contract with the Brumbies and made his Test debut under Jones a year later.

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He spent three seasons in Canberra before moving to Sydney, where he spent the next five years with the Waratahs and club side Sydney University. Vickerman's Test career flourished during this period, despite injury setbacks; he was prized by coaches for his abrasive, uncompromising physicality and mental attitude, and loved by his teammates.

'So many positive memories'

"We all have huge admiration for the guy that he was," Waugh said. "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. There's so many positive memories of him on and off the field. 

"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."

After playing in his second Rugby World Cup in 2007, Vickerman took a break from international rugby for three years to study in England. He earned a degree in Land Economics from Cambridge University and also had a short stint with Premiership club Northampton Saints in the 2009-2010 season. 

He returned to Australia and was selected in the Wallabies' 2011 World Cup squad but was forced to retire in 2012 due to persistent stress fractures in his right leg. 

Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver said: "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."

'Absolute tragedy'

Another former Wallabies teammate, Matt Burke - who was unaware of the news when contacted - could not speak highly enough of the man who played 53 matches in the sky blue jersey. 

"Very abrasive as a player but a good bloke, though," Burke said. "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." 

Former Wallaby legend Simon Poidevin said in a text message: "Absolute tragedy, we are all in shock". 

Waratahs winger Lote Tuqiri said he was "shattered" by the news and spoke about Vickerman's ability to get the best out of his teammates. 

"He spoke from the heart and he spoke straight," Tuqiri said. "He was very well-mannered off the field. He had that white-line fever but off the field he was lovely.

"He was a big man with a soft heart and he was always easy to talk to. You'd sit next to him and have a good chat. He was very easy going and an absolute gentleman. I had a lot of good times with him on and off the field. It's very sad and it has hit home because he's the same age as me. I'm just shattered." 

Online reaction

'Big man with a soft heart'

Jeremy Paul, who featured in 72 Tests for the Wallabies, paid tribute to Vickerman. 

"He had such a life to live with his wife Sarah and their two young kids," Paul told Fox Sports News. "All our hearts and well wishes go to Sarah and the two little kids.

"It's a bit of a shock. He actually came out and did some work for me in regards to Penrith when I was coaching the Shute Shield and we've always tried to catch up at Billy Young's pub with all the boys and have a get-together like the good old days." 

Waratahs chief executive Andrew Hore said: "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." 

'Universally respected' 

Rugby Union Players' Association chief executive 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."

Vickerman went on to carve out a career in commercial real estate and property development and had this month started a new job with funds manager Newgate Capital Partners. He remained deeply enmeshed in the rugby community through the Sydney University network and by working with the Rugby Union Players' Association.  

He is survived by wife Sarah and their two children. 

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