Former Wallabies lock Dan Vickerman has announced his retirement from all forms of rugby.

Vickerman 33, has been unable to play this year due to a stress fracture in his right tibia.

The South-African-born second rower played 63 Tests for Australia.

Vickerman spent almost three years out of international rugby as he studied in England.

He returned to Australia last year, forcing his way back into the Wallabies squad and adding eight more caps to his tally.

His last Test was against New Zealand in the 2011 World Cup semi-finals.

Vickerman played 34 games for the Brumbies and 53 for the Waratahs.

He represented South Africa at under 19s level and Australia at under 21s level.

Vickerman played his first Test for his adopted country in 2002.