A true gentleman of the game: Rugby world mourns Vickerman

The world of rugby was in mourning on Sunday following the death of former Australia lock Dan Vickerman at the age of 37.

Born in South Africa, Vickerman earned 63 Test caps for the Wallabies and represented the Brumbies and Waratahs in Super Rugby. He also enjoyed a brief stint in England with Northampton Saints.

His passing was confirmed by the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), although no details of the cause of death were disclosed.

The official Twitter account of the Wallabies led the tributes to Vickerman, and respects were paid across the rugby world via social media.

Rest in Peace, Dan Vickerman. 63 Tests, three Rugby World Cups, infinite respect. https://t.co/9Vl33SrQGN pic.twitter.com/mTfur3GeTi

— Qantas Wallabies (@qantaswallabies) February 19, 2017

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the family and friends, and all who knew Dan, at this difficult time. RIP Dan Vickerman.

— Brumbies (@BrumbiesRugby) February 19, 2017

Rest In Peace, Dan Vickerman. 63 Tests, three Rugby World Cups, 53 Waratahs games. He will always be remembered https://t.co/uStsAc3uZc pic.twitter.com/WYRYdrEUbe

— NSW Waratahs (@NSWWaratahs) February 19, 2017

Shocked an old team mate Dan Vickerman has passed away..Grateful to have played along side you..Thoughts & prayers are with his wife & 2kids

— Quade Cooper (@QuadeCooper) February 19, 2017

Incredibly saddened waking up to the news of Dan Vickerman. A true gentleman of the game. Thoughts are with his family.

Rest easy Vicks

— Adam Ashley-Cooper (@AdamCoopy) February 19, 2017

Waking up to sad news about Dan Vickerman this morning. Always enjoyed playing against him. A real competitor and a great guy.

— Victor Matfield (@VictorMatfield) February 19, 2017

Incredibly sad to wake up to the news about Dan Vickerman. One of the greats on & off the field Thoughts are with his family

Rest Easy Vicks

— James Horwill (@JHorwill) February 19, 2017

The #AllBlacks join the rugby family in mourning the passing of former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman. Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/uBxw8zK7tm

— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) February 19, 2017

Our condolences to @qantaswallabiesfamily, friends of Daniel Vickerman. Shocked to hear RIP Daniel. @Bishops_Rugby #sonofthesoil @JuniorBoks pic.twitter.com/RUYJqTJ22a

— South African Rugby (@Springboks) February 19, 2017

Our thoughts are with the family & friends of former Saint Dan Vickerman, who has passed away aged just 37 #RIP

— Northampton Saints (@SaintsRugby) February 19, 2017

On behalf of @NRL community we extend our condolences to Dan Vickerman’s family & to all our @AustralianRugby colleagues #RIPDanVickerman

— Todd Greenberg (@Todd_Greenberg) February 19, 2017