Northampton Saints
Dan Vickerman signing confirmed
By David Lowrence
May 26 2009
The story that has rumbled around for about 12 months has finally surfaced as, following their win at the Stoop on Friday, the prospect of Heineken Cup Rugby next season brings a major signing to the Saints.
Vickerman Signs
Northampton Saints have today announced that Dan Vickerman will be a member of the first team squad for the 2009/10 season.
Vickerman is a rugby player of immense pedigree. Capped 55 times by Australia and a veteran of two Rugby World Cups, the 6'8", 119kg second row forward was a key figure for club and country for many years before he headed to the UK to study Land Economy at Cambridge University.
Born in Cape Town in 1979, Vickerman played for South Africa Under-21s before moving to moving to Australia, and he had the distinction of playing for his new country at Under-21 level too. Australia 'A' honours followed in 2002 and he pulled on the Wallabies' jersey for the first time later that year against France in Sydney.
The following season he was already a regular in the Wallabies' matchday 22, and by 2004 he was a first choice and regarded as one of the premier exponents of second row play in the world. Vice-captain of the team in 2006, he passed the 50-appearance mark in last year's Tri Nations win over New Zealand in Sydney, with the last of his caps coming against South Africa in Durban in 2008.
Vickerman first came to prominence at provincial level at the ACT Brumbies, where he made his debut in 2001. Three years later he moved the short distance to Sydney to join the New South Wales Waratahs, whom he helped to the Sper Rugby semi-finals in 2005 and 2006. His final game for the province came in the 2008 Super 14 final against the Crusaders.
Vickerman has already come up against several of his future club-mates when he played for Cambridge University against the Wanderers last year, and he played in the 2008 Varsity Match. He has signed an initial one-year contract with the Saints and will combine his academic commitments at Cambridge with playing and training at the Saints.
"Northampton is a club that has made great strides with the results that the team have had this year," Vickerman said. "I've watched them play and they play a great brand of rugby. I will also be wanting to grow as a player. Rugby is a game in which you're continually learning and it will be fun playing under Jim and his coaching staff. And if I can contribute to the club getting better then that would be great too.
"Another good thing about the Saints is the tradition and enthusiasm for rugby that the club and its supporters have and I'm looking forward to experiencing that in person."
Despite being just 29, Vickerman will be one of the most experienced players in terms of international caps in the Saints' squad. Nevertheless he says that he will learn as much from the younger players as they will from him, particularly in the second row.
"I don't know how much knowledge I've got!" he said. "You learn and hopefully they learn. You draw on each other's strengths and develop a joint relationship that drives you on and keeps you motivated. Rugby is a team sport and it is an enjoyable experience when you achieve your goals as a group."
Vickerman was still in his international prime when he began his studies at Cambridge. But he has no qualms about the decision he made.
"I've no regrets about moving," he said. "Cambridge is a great place and it has been fantastic fun. Having said that, you always miss playing rugby at the highest level. I was fortunate to experience rugby at that level but sometimes you have to move on. As it happens I've been a bit isolated from rugby of late - I've been focussing on my exams!"
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder explained why he was keen to sign Vickerman.
"While players like Courtney Lawes and Juandre Kruger have performed well over the past few months it is easy to forget that they are still in the early stages of their careers and have plenty to learn," he said. "Having a player with the experience of Dan Vickerman will help them, and the other young players in the Saints squad, develop.
"Going forward our squad has to have this blend of youth and experience and Dan will bring considerable know-how from his time with the Wallabies, New South Wales and the ACT Brumbies.
"I am delighted that he has decided to join us here at Franklin's Gardens and hope that he will be a big part of the club's future."
Vickerman is a rugby player of immense pedigree. Capped 55 times by Australia and a veteran of two Rugby World Cups, the 6'8", 119kg second row forward was a key figure for club and country for many years before he headed to the UK to study Land Economy at Cambridge University.
Born in Cape Town in 1979, Vickerman played for South Africa Under-21s before moving to moving to Australia, and he had the distinction of playing for his new country at Under-21 level too. Australia 'A' honours followed in 2002 and he pulled on the Wallabies' jersey for the first time later that year against France in Sydney.
The following season he was already a regular in the Wallabies' matchday 22, and by 2004 he was a first choice and regarded as one of the premier exponents of second row play in the world. Vice-captain of the team in 2006, he passed the 50-appearance mark in last year's Tri Nations win over New Zealand in Sydney, with the last of his caps coming against South Africa in Durban in 2008.
Vickerman first came to prominence at provincial level at the ACT Brumbies, where he made his debut in 2001. Three years later he moved the short distance to Sydney to join the New South Wales Waratahs, whom he helped to the Sper Rugby semi-finals in 2005 and 2006. His final game for the province came in the 2008 Super 14 final against the Crusaders.
Vickerman has already come up against several of his future club-mates when he played for Cambridge University against the Wanderers last year, and he played in the 2008 Varsity Match. He has signed an initial one-year contract with the Saints and will combine his academic commitments at Cambridge with playing and training at the Saints.
"Northampton is a club that has made great strides with the results that the team have had this year," Vickerman said. "I've watched them play and they play a great brand of rugby. I will also be wanting to grow as a player. Rugby is a game in which you're continually learning and it will be fun playing under Jim and his coaching staff. And if I can contribute to the club getting better then that would be great too.
"Another good thing about the Saints is the tradition and enthusiasm for rugby that the club and its supporters have and I'm looking forward to experiencing that in person."
Despite being just 29, Vickerman will be one of the most experienced players in terms of international caps in the Saints' squad. Nevertheless he says that he will learn as much from the younger players as they will from him, particularly in the second row.
"I don't know how much knowledge I've got!" he said. "You learn and hopefully they learn. You draw on each other's strengths and develop a joint relationship that drives you on and keeps you motivated. Rugby is a team sport and it is an enjoyable experience when you achieve your goals as a group."
Vickerman was still in his international prime when he began his studies at Cambridge. But he has no qualms about the decision he made.
"I've no regrets about moving," he said. "Cambridge is a great place and it has been fantastic fun. Having said that, you always miss playing rugby at the highest level. I was fortunate to experience rugby at that level but sometimes you have to move on. As it happens I've been a bit isolated from rugby of late - I've been focussing on my exams!"
Director of rugby Jim Mallinder explained why he was keen to sign Vickerman.
"While players like Courtney Lawes and Juandre Kruger have performed well over the past few months it is easy to forget that they are still in the early stages of their careers and have plenty to learn," he said. "Having a player with the experience of Dan Vickerman will help them, and the other young players in the Saints squad, develop.
"Going forward our squad has to have this blend of youth and experience and Dan will bring considerable know-how from his time with the Wallabies, New South Wales and the ACT Brumbies.
"I am delighted that he has decided to join us here at Franklin's Gardens and hope that he will be a big part of the club's future."
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Discussion started by ComeOnYouSaints.com , 26/05/2009 06:47
ComeOnYouSaints.com
26/05/2009 06:47
26/05/2009 06:47
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Worst kept secret since Cipriani's love of c*ck, but emminently welcome nonetheless.
Courtney will learn masses from this guy in the 2nd row, in addition to Lobbe and Kruger. We seem to hbe building a very solid pack now.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:05:26:09:18:38 by St Owen.
Courtney will learn masses from this guy in the 2nd row, in addition to Lobbe and Kruger. We seem to hbe building a very solid pack now.
You can't always get what you want, But if you try sometimes well you might find, You get what you need.
Richards/Jagger
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:05:26:09:18:38 by St Owen.
Excellent 
Him and Nacho training Courtney and Freddie... what a pack!
South Burrda Stand / K-Lo / Row P / Renewed
Him and Nacho training Courtney and Freddie... what a pack!
Good signing that we've been cleverly and patiently working on IMHO. All that experience and still only 29!
Another wooo nad a hooo force to be reckoned with as M Parra said on Fridee "Quel Pack zut alors!"
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Top of the League 2014-2015 Season
Great signing... how will they manage lectures and training all at the same time
I would imagine that Dan is taking a years break from his studies though the tugby claims he will join us post xmas.
so we will have to see what's what when he's thrust infront of a
great signing though,
wonder how long he's here for?
so we will have to see what's what when he's thrust infront of a
great signing though,
wonder how long he's here for?
Fantastic news but not totally unexpected; whatever next, Wilko off to Toulon?
Next season cannot come quickly enough for me
Next season cannot come quickly enough for me
Good news, welcome to the Saints big Dan!
The press release says he's on a one year contract Robby.
Come On You Saints
The press release says he's on a one year contract Robby.
Come On You Saints
Quote:Howlin
Borino, Mujati, Gerahty and Vickerman. None too shabby eh ?
Sounds like the name of a curry house when put like that.
Yes Mr G it's only a six hour bike ride from Oxford 
and more seriously it can only be an hours drive from Northampton. Not exactly a big commute by modern standards.
No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
and more seriously it can only be an hours drive from Northampton. Not exactly a big commute by modern standards.No alcohol for January. I'm a dryathlete in aid of cancer research.
Dryathlon
by the way, ive not been over to any other sites but can i assume that many are going on about the salary cap ad nauseum?
Funny you should mention the celery cap RR. I believe that Saints are getting round it by paying Vickerman's tuition fees, living expenses and punt.
Where does that leave Christian Day who has played really well this year and is English. Vickermann plays 4 so Lobbe out. What about Cannon and Rae also. Don't understand policy of bringing in foreigners for a year.
If only it were that simple. if it was we'd have everyone enrolled doing cycling proficiency tests then pay them their 'living expenses'.
I would have thought Vickerman will be a tremendous mentor for our young locks.
Quote:Thrupp artist
I would have thought Vickerman will be a tremendous mentor for our young locks.
Indeed. Cos our young locks will be keeping him out of the team...
Doesn't it give us the strength to rotate our squad in what will be a very challenging season with Heiny rugby and all.
Quite agreed, St Ann - more cover, the better. Also, studies could be quite intense so his time management will be key - remember, it's not just the playing but training to be at HC level. What's that, 3-4 hours in the gym every other day, plus sessions at the Gardens? Add uni work on top and you've got a pretty hectic schedule!
As for 'celery cap' - more like 'foreign player' cap - although that probably won't be an issue as I'd imagine we'll either have him or Nacho in the 22, but not both.
Any news on the fate of Kolpac?
South Burrda Stand / K-Lo / Row P / Renewed
As for 'celery cap' - more like 'foreign player' cap - although that probably won't be an issue as I'd imagine we'll either have him or Nacho in the 22, but not both.
Any news on the fate of Kolpac?
And much as we'd like it Nacho can't go on for ever.
Seems an eminently sensible and calculated signing to me, and there's nothing to say Dan's contract can't be extended if mutually agreeable.
Seems an eminently sensible and calculated signing to me, and there's nothing to say Dan's contract can't be extended if mutually agreeable.
I've got a feeling Nacho may play a lesser role next season, He doesn't seem to be getting as much game time since he got injured against Sale at FG. Maybe the years are taking their toll.
Come On You Saints
Come On You Saints
He was dancing around the stoop like a 4 year old on Friday!
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
“Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.”
Benjamin Franklin
Tetleys Block F E143
The right experienced foreinger for a year buys another years time to develop the younger players like Lawes, Rae and Cannon in a more controlled way rather than simply having to name them in your match day 22 because they are all youve got left.
Great signing IMHO. Welcome to the gardens Big Dan! Can't wait to see our lineout with Kruger, Lawes, Vickerman, Nacho and the young pups. Awesome!
Hjs, Vickerman was born in South Africa so the foreign player role doesnt come into it, if im not mistaken.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009:05:26:18:02:29 by Si-saint82.
Hjs, Vickerman was born in South Africa so the foreign player role doesnt come into it, if im not mistaken.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2009:05:26:18:02:29 by Si-saint82.
Born in South Africa but plays for Australia - very good point! As long as he still has is SA passport / nationality, he's all good 
South Burrda Stand / K-Lo / Row P / Renewed
Just like big Greg at worc. Born a South African played for the All Blacks. Thats how they get round it. So big Dan and Nacho could play together. Think thats correct Hjs. Also doesnt Nacho qualify for a uk passport soon? Been here a while now!
Well I don't think he played for the All Blacks but as a kind of aside to this I think he has done 1 year of his 3 year course at Cambridge so he clearly can only be a part time player. What are your views on how he can a) reach and b) sustain the required level of fitness to perform effectively at GP level ?
Quote:john benson
Good news, welcome to the Saints big Dan!
The press release says he's on a one year contract Robby.
Ah but john it actually says "He has signed an initial one-year contract"
Seems to imply there may be more to come...
Quote:tedge
Well I don't think he played for the All Blacks .....
I think Si-saint was talking about Greg at Worcs....not Dan Vickerman.
And I have every confidence that time management for this kind of situation would have been uppermost in all their minds. I doubt that Dan wants to compromise either his Cambridge degree or his Saints career. He is young, he is fit there is absolutely no reason why he can't do both.
I, for one, am thrilled about the potential this signing brings. Seems like we may be the team of choice for new signings this season.
Thanks Wilma I was on about Greg @ Worc, not big Dan! I was just about to answer tedge but you corrected him perfectly for me. Ta very much.
impressions would lead that he has signed a 1 year deal with an option for some more afterwards. This would probably coincide with his degree at Cambridge.
It also said somewhere that it was a dual thing with Cambridge and Saints. I assume then he has taken himself out the running for the Varsity match next season as I remember one of our wingers couldn't play due to having a pro contract with saints.
Above all welcome to the Saints Dan
It also said somewhere that it was a dual thing with Cambridge and Saints. I assume then he has taken himself out the running for the Varsity match next season as I remember one of our wingers couldn't play due to having a pro contract with saints.
Above all welcome to the Saints Dan
while i think of it...
Lawes and Kruger can play back row comfortably so no reason why we can't work around most of them into the match day squads.
I do feel for Day, but then it seems Mallinder and Co. have made sitting on the sidelines more happy than Sale did.
Lawes and Kruger can play back row comfortably so no reason why we can't work around most of them into the match day squads.
I do feel for Day, but then it seems Mallinder and Co. have made sitting on the sidelines more happy than Sale did.
Don't quite understand this one ?
Vickerman won't have played top level for 2 seasons - he was a good player but really don't see a shortage at lock..
Guessing Chris Day is surplus now Dave T - shame I agree
Not sure what it means for Alex Rae or James Cannon either
With Dowson also signing can't see Kruger or Lawes getting a look in on the backrow unless Easter is also surplus ? Hopley and Lewitt to leave do you think ?
Vickerman won't have played top level for 2 seasons - he was a good player but really don't see a shortage at lock..
Guessing Chris Day is surplus now Dave T - shame I agree
Not sure what it means for Alex Rae or James Cannon either
With Dowson also signing can't see Kruger or Lawes getting a look in on the backrow unless Easter is also surplus ? Hopley and Lewitt to leave do you think ?
I personally think Rae and Lewitt will be on their way sadly. Hopefully no more.
Saint Tub,
Could it be a bit of succession management going on here? Get him up to speed in a "part time" capacity this year ready for (pure speculation here) Nacho leaving next?
I think it's a great signing, young Mr Day (as well as the others) could learn an awful lot from him.
Could it be a bit of succession management going on here? Get him up to speed in a "part time" capacity this year ready for (pure speculation here) Nacho leaving next?
I think it's a great signing, young Mr Day (as well as the others) could learn an awful lot from him.
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