Vickerman forced to quit

Dan Vickerman: Has been forced to announce his retirement

Veteran Australia lock Dan Vickerman has been forced to announce his retirement due to injury.

The 33-year-old played 63 times for the Wallabies and appeared in three World Cups.

However Vickerman, who played for the Waratahs and the Brumbies, missed the entire 2012 Super Rugby season with a stress fracture in his right leg.

And following a number of attempts to return to full fitness, Vickerman has now been forced to concede defeat and quit.

"Having battled injury for the last while, it is disappointing that I have to call it a day on my playing days," said Vickerman, who played for Cambridge University and Northampton during a spell in England.

"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."