Dan Vickerman has retired from rugby © PA Photos

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Players/Officials: Dan Vickerman

Teams: Australia | Brumbies | Northampton Saints

Ex-Wallabies second-row Dan Vickerman has announced his retirement from all forms of rugby due to injury.

Vickerman has been struggling to recover from a stress fracture to the leg that kept him out of the 2012 Super Rugby season. The lock turned out for the Wallabies in the 2011 World Cup after a spell out of the game where he studied at Cambridge University. Prior to this he had turned out in both the 2003 and 2007 global gatherings and managed to secure 63 Test caps ever since debut back in 2002. He has had spells with the Brumbies and the Waratahs in Super Rugby and has also captained Cambridge in the Varsity match.

Vickerman also turned out for Northampton Saints but it is his efforts for Australia that he will be best remembered for. Current Wallabies boss Robbie Deans paid tribute to Vickerman saying: "To be able to get himself back into shape - both physically and mentally - in order to compete against the best players in the world, was an insight into his character and his dedication

"It was particularly impressive considering he had completely stepped out of the game in order to prepare for his life beyond rugby. Nor did he let either himself or Australia down. He was a big factor in Australia's first Tri Nations tournament success for a decade.

"As a player, Dan is an uncompromising competitor who sets high standards for himself, and demands the same of those around him. He commands enormous respect, from team-mates and opponents alike, which says a lot about the man.

"He was incredibly proud to wear the iconic gold Wallaby jersey, and was clearly moved when he was bestowed with the honour of presenting the jerseys before the game against Russia in Nelson at the Rugby World Cup last year. That was a special moment, both for Dan and the team."

Vickerman admitted that it was a tough decision to call time on his career saying: "Having battled injury for the last while, it is disappointing that I have to call it a day on my playing days. But in saying that I have been extremely fortunate throughout my career to have played for the teams I have.

"To have had the privilege to represent my country is something I have never taken for granted and each game I have played in has been special."