Dan Vickerman's death prompts emotional outpouring on social media
Posted 23 minutes ago
PHOTO: Teammates and opponents alike praised Dan Vickerman.(AAP: Patrick Hamilton)
RELATED STORY: Former Wallabies star Dan Vickerman dies aged 37
MAP: Australia
Former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman has been mourned by teammates, friends and opponents on social media.
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The rugby world was in shock after news of the 63-Test veteran's death emerged on Sunday afternoon, with a number expressing their grief online.
Star fly half Quade Cooper said he was "shocked" but "grateful to have played alongside [Vickerman]" and offered his support to Vickerman's wife and two children.
Cooper also called on others to check on the mental health of those around them.
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Quade Cooper
✔@QuadeCooper
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
6:21 PM - 19 Feb 2017
The All Blacks, against whom Vickerman played his final game for the Wallabies in 2011, put aside what in times like this seem like petty rivalries to express their sadness.
View image on Twitter
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All Blacks
✔@AllBlacks
The #AllBlacks join the rugby family in mourning the passing of former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman. Rest in Peace.
4:04 PM - 19 Feb 2017 · Auckland, New Zealand
Vickerman's death came about two weeks after news that Springboks great Joost van der Westhuizen had died from a form of motor neurone disease at the age of 45.
And ex-Wallaby David Campese mourned the loss of "another great".
View image on Twitter
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David Campese
✔@Davidcampese11
The rugby world has lost another great.
4:35 PM - 19 Feb 2017 · La Mercy, South Africa
'Heaven has a strong right hand side'
Vickerman started his Super Rugby career with the Brumbies and played 33 games for them, some of which came alongside prop Ben Darwin, who sent a stream of mournful tweets on Sunday.
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ben darwin @bendarwin
Big vicks. So sad buddy. Now heaven has a strong right hand side.
4:03 PM - 19 Feb 2017
View image on Twitter
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Big Vicks in 2001
4:08 PM - 19 Feb 2017
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Vicks Wallabies number was #777.
5:53 PM - 19 Feb 2017
Rugby Union Players Association chief executive had earlier said "Dan was universally respected by his peers".
And that was evident as former Wallaby Adam Freier succinctly tweeted his grief.
View image on Twitter
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Adam Freier
✔@Adam_Freier
No words, only love. Rest easy Big Vicks.
5:34 PM - 19 Feb 2017
And Australia's players association posted on Instagram a photo of Vickerman and his beaming smile.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-02-19/dan-vickerman-social-media-reacts/8284540
