ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
REGISTER
LOGIN
ADVERTISEMENT
RugbyDump
Monday Feb 20, 2017

Dan Vickerman death at 37 shocks rugby world

The rugby world is still in shock following the passing of former Wallaby Dan Vickerman. He passed away at just 37-year-old, leaving behind a wife and two young children. The devastating news comes a week after the tragic death of former All Black Sione Lauaki.

Born and raised in South Africa, Vickerman came to prominence at Bishops in Cape Town and later played for the Junior Springboks before moving to Australia to take up a career with the Brumbies in Canberra.

Under 21 rugby with Australia soon followed and later the 204cm, 119 kg second rower made his debut for the Wallabies, turning out against France in Sydney in 2002.

In 2007 he moved to England to study at Cambridge University, which included two Varsity matches, as well as a short stint at Northampton Saints.

His career went on to span a decade, including 63 Tests and two Rugby World Cups. His final Test appearance was in the 2011 RWC semi final against New Zealand.

Fellow South African-turned-Australian Clyde Rathbone has paid tribute to Vickerman. Both players’ careers followed a similar path, and Rathbone has credited Vickerman with convincing him to move to Australia.

“Vicks is gone now and there will be no more calls to pick that massive brain in that massive head,” Rathbone said in his ROAR column. “What remains is a vast and inextinguishable collage of memories. Memories of a great man gone too soon.

“Daniel Vickerman had a rich life. He experienced incredible triumphs, painful defeats, all in-between. He sought adventure, embraced challenges, and maintained a rare blend of integrity and humility throughout. He loved, and was loved by a great many people.

“He will not be forgotten. Here’s to you Vicks.”

While speculation about the cause of death has been rife, the official word is that – for the time being at least – respect is being paid to family and loved ones and there will be no further details released.

The following video explains things a bit better though, with former teammate Owen Finegan saying that Vickerman had opened up to him about certain issues in the past.

Finegan also said in his ABC column that those close to Vickerman will help his family.

“I’m sure the whole rugby community will come around them. I’ve only heard for about — well it hasn’t even been 24 hours and you think to yourself could you have done anything to help him,” he said.

“He’s got a young family and they’ll need all the support they can get. [It will] definitely be something that everyone will be offering and be very supportive to Sarah and the kids and their needs.”

Sincere condolences to his family, friends and all those he touched in his 37 years. RIP.


credit: tightfiverugbyunion

ADVERTISEMENT

Comments




Related Articles

  • 226 WEEKS AGO

    scottish prop saves fire victim

  • 230 WEEKS AGO

    New Rugby X tournament insane

  • 258 WEEKS AGO

    Vunipola stands by his comments supporting...



ADVERTISEMENT

Great Tries

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The dummy that sold the whole of Perth - including the cameraman

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Bayonne score 'one of the best tries you'll ever see' in latest match against Exeter

  • 10 WEEKS AGO

    Baloucoune shows Andy Farrell what he's missing as the winger tears through Harlequins defence

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Seriously impressive Courtney Lawes compilation released after England player calls time on international career

  • 24 WEEKS AGO

    Fiji number eight Viliame 'Bill' Mata scores audacious try

View All

Big Hits & Dirty Play

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    The sending off that rocked the Six Nations opener

  • 8 WEEKS AGO

    Wrecking ball beats 10 players to score full length of the pitch try

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Monster hit from Perrin leaves Bristol Bears player stunned

  • 20 WEEKS AGO

    Posolo Tuilagi's massive tackle lights up Top 14

View All

See It To Believe It

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Magical sevens try leaves defender stuck in the mud

  • 6 DAYS AGO

    The fan reaction to Georgia calling out Wales this Autumn

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    England player ratings: England wake Twickenham up with huge victory

  • 3 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible scenes as Italy shock Scotland in Rome

View All

Funnies

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Awesome scenes as Blitzbok fan throws down at the HSBC SVNS

  • 5 WEEKS AGO

    Mike Philips recounts crazy night Shane Williams tried to fight Warren Gatland

  • 9 WEEKS AGO

    Shaun Edwards leaves room silent in new Six Nations documentary with French to English transition

  • 18 WEEKS AGO

    Streaker causes major bust up as he tackles player

  • 22 WEEKS AGO

    Luke Cowan-Dickie left red faced after losing very costly bet

View All

Amateur

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    You Won’t See Many Better Than This Silky-Smooth Try From Llandovery RFC

  • 63 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes As Caldy RFC Hand Ealing First Championship Defeat Of The Season

  • 86 WEEKS AGO

    Dubious Score Decides Result Of Rugby's Biggest Schools Fixture

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    Incredible Scenes At School Boys Rugby Match

  • 87 WEEKS AGO

    The Next Dominant Backrow?

View All

Player Features

  • 22 HOURS AGO

    Danny Care to return to Twickenham for Barbarians match this summer

  • 1 DAY AGO

    Northampton Saints brothers retire a day apart

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Christian Wade proves he still has the X-factor with 50 metre mazy finish for Racing 92

  • 2 DAYS AGO

    Tributes paid as World Cup referee looks to hang up boots

  • 3 DAYS AGO

    Statement: Danny Care calls time on international career

View All