Dan Vickerman's death prompts emotional outpouring on social media

Former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman has been mourned by teammates, friends and opponents on social media.

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.

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.

Vickerman’s death came about two weeks after news that Springboks great Joost van der Westhuizen had died

And ex-Wallaby David Campese mourned the loss of “another great”.

‘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.

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.

And Australia’s players association posted on Instagram a photo of Vickerman and his beaming smile.

This post originally appeared on ABC News.