The former Wallaby, Dan Vickerman, has died aged just 37. The Brumbies and Waratahs veteran played 63 Tests at lock for Australia. Tributes have poured in from across the globe.
Renowned for his intensity on the pitch, he was a player that had incredible drive both on and off the field.
Eddie Jones, said, “He was the young lad who wanted everything yesterday. He was a driven player who matured into an excellent player.”
“He was incredibly intense and very driven in all aspects of his life, he always had a plan,” John 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 played for South Africa’s under 21 side. He subsequently moved to Australia in 2001 and, at 21 years old, was contracted to play for the Brumbies and made his Test debut under Jones a year later. After three seasons at Canberra, he moved to Sydney and made his mark at the much respected Waratahs. Despite injuries which set him back in his career, his drive and love of the game endured until stress fractures caused him to retire in 2012.
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.”
Rugby Life Wales would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Dan’s family and pass on the respect and sympathy of Welsh rugby fans.
