Former Wallaby Dan Vickerman found dead at home aged 37, leaving behind a wife and two children - as rugby legends pay tribute to 'much loved' star who played in three World Cups

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Former teammates and international rivals have paid tribute to former Wallaby great Dan Vickerman.

Vickerman died aged 37 at his family home in Sydney on Saturday night, the Australian Rugby Union confirmed, and leaves behind a wife, Sarah, and two young children.

It is understood there were no suspicious circumstances in his death, which has rocked the international rugby community.

Born in South Africa, Vickerman moved to Australia at the age of 21.

Former Wallaby great Daniel Vickerman died at the age of 37 at his Sydney home on Saturday

The towering lock went on to play 63 Tests and three World Cup tournaments for his adopted nation between 2002 and 2011 before injuries forced his retirement in 2012.

'The rugby world is in shock today after news of the tragic passing of Dan Vickerman,' said ARU CEO Bill Pulver.

'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.'

Vickerman played 63 tests with the Wallabies before retiring in 2012, and leaves behind a wife, Sarah, and two young children

Five-eight Quade Cooper tweeted: 'Shocked an old team mate Dan Vickerman has passed away..Grateful to have played alongside you' 

The Wallabies, Wallaroos and Australian Sevens teams, the Australian Super Rugby franchises and the Rugby Union Players' Association were quick to pay their respects to Vickeman, along with several of his former teammates.

'Rest in Peace, Dan Vickerman. 63 Tests, three Rugby World Cups, infinite respect,' the Wallabies posted on their Twitter account.

There was a particularly poignant tweet from fellow lock Nathan Sharpe, who formed a formidable second row combination with Vickerman.

'I had my arm around you for most of our playing days brother. No words can express the sadness,' Sharpe tweeted.

Five-eight Quade Cooper tweeted: 'Shocked an old team mate Dan Vickerman has passed away..Grateful to have played alongside you.'

He added: 'Goes to show that things may not be as they seem on the surface or social media. Check in & ask #RUOK u never know u might just save a life.'

Vickerman's last Test was the 2011 World cup semi-final loss to New Zealand.

The All Blacks' Twitter account was among the first of the international responses to the news.

'The#AllBlacks join the rugby family in mourning the passing of former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman. Rest in Peace,' it tweeted.

While regarded as an uncompromising figure on the field, Vickerman was a very diffrerent person away from the field.

The Wallabies paid tribute to Vickerman in a tweet posted on their account on Sunday

Winger Lote Tuqiri, who said he was shattered by the news of Vickerman's death, described him as an 'absolute gentleman.

'He was very well-mannered off the field,' Tuqiri told Fairfax Media.

He had that white-line fever but off the field he was lovely. He was a big man with a soft heart.'

Another former Wallabies and Waratahs backline teammate, Matthew Burke, painted a similar picture.

'Very abrasive as a player but a good bloke, though,' Burke told Fairfax media.

Rugby Union Players Association CEO Ross Xenos also paid tribute to Vickerman.

'On behalf of all players, we extend our deepest sympathies to Dan's young family at this difficult time,' he said.

'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.'

Waratahs chief executive Andrew Hore reflected on the immense impact Vickerman had on the club over the years.

The 37-year-old's sudden death has rocked the international rugby community

Dan Vickerman holds up the premiership trophy after captaining Cambridge University in their historic win against Oxford University in 2009

'Dan was well respected for his on field leadership and performance and equally respected by all that knew him off the field,' he said.

'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.'

Vickerman burst onto the Australian rugby scene after signing with Canberra's Brumbies team in 2001.

His team went on to win the Super Rugby premiership that season, and his obvious talents soon caught the attention of Australia's national selectors.

In June 2002, he made his Test debut in a 31-25 Wallabies victory over France at Stadium Australia.

By 2003, Vickerman - at more than two meters tall and weighing 120kg - was a regular starter for the Wallabies, marking what would be a decade-long stint representing the country.

Measuring in at over 2 metres and weighing 120 kilograms, Vickerman earned a reputation as one of Australia's toughest locks

After three seasons and 33 appearances for the Brumbies, he was signed by the Waratahs in 2004 and played five seasons and 53 matches for them.

After playing in his second Rugby World Cup in France in 2007, Vickerman withdrew from Australian rugby for three years to study in England.

He earned a degree in land economics from Cambridge University, where he played in two Varsity matches against Oxford, captaining the side to a 31-27 victory in 2009.

He returned to Australia in time to earn selection by Wallabies coach Robbie Deans for the 2011 World Cup.

He played his last Test in the World Cup semi-final loss to eventual winners New Zealand at Eden Park.

But Vickerman was forced to retire early in 2012 due to an ongoing problem with his right leg.

After rugby, he worked as an advisor for KPMG before notching up three years as a portfolio manager with Heathleys Limited.

Less than three weeks ago, a respected Melbourne real estate agency had congratulated him on joining their real estate and infrastructure investment team in Sydney. 

'Fantastic to be joining the Newgate Team. Exciting times ahead!!!' he tweeted on February 1. 

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