Dan Vickerman dies

Cape Town born Wallaby Dan Vickerman dies at his home aged 37 .He played 63 tests for Australia the last being the 2011 semi vs NZ . Its a goddamn shame is what it is.

I am shocked. RIP.

Another young man......sad. Do we know if he was ill or is this a sudden thing?

 At 37 like with Sione ,Joost and Jonah its compounded by their age .Plus its out of the blue.

 At this rate we are losing one a week .

Last year it was the rock stars, this year it's the tragically young SH rugby legends. RIP to Sione Lauaki too.

 Wow!  So sad - taken much too soon.  R I P.

The Australian Rugby Union confirmed that Vickerman died at his family home in Sydney overnight.

It is understood there were no suspicious circumstances.

He leaves behind a wife and two young children .

Born in South Africa, Vickerman moved to Australia at age 21 and went on to play 67 Tests and three World Cup tournaments for his adopted nation from 2002-2011 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.

Vickerman linked with the Brumbies on arrival in Australia and made his Super Rugby debut in the 2001 season.

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

 My sympathies go out to the family...RIP Dan and thanks for the memories.

 I am not sure but I have a sneaking suspicion that depression may have got the better of him .In any case its bloody terrible for him and his family .

Sad news they say it was sudden - big loss to SA rugby when he left

May he rest in peace and his family be helped in their hour of need - sympathy to them.  

 I am absolutely shocked. Joost then Sione then this. This is tragic, the manner of his passing. For those on this Forum, if you are depressed, speak out, asking for help is not a sign of weakness . You are not alone.

 RIP Dan

 Very sad to see a young person die especially when they leave behind a young family. Condolences to his family and all those who loved him.

 RIP Dan .

NZ has a policy of not mentioning the S word . Instead we get mention that there are no suspicious circumstances & the relevant article will end listing all the Help Agencies available for vulnerable folk ..

 Sadly from comments made by former team mate QC it seems as though depression and the worst of outcomes from it is the cause of his tragic death. Hakwa is spot on RE: getting help for yourself or someone you know.

Life is tough on first generation emigrants. I'm not sure if that played a role in Dan's troubles. But I know of a number of South Africans returned home from Australia, including one of my best friends in college.