The sudden death of former Australian international Dan Vickerman has prompted New Zealand players to seek help with mental health issues, according to New Zealand Rugby Players Association (NZRPA) head Rob Nichol.

The 37-year-old Vickerman died at his family home in Sydney at the weekend.

There were no suspicious circumstances.

The players' association said it was trying to make sure players saw themselves as people first and rugby players second.

An NZRPA survey in 2009 found a third of players were unprepared and struggled during the first three months of retirement - while more than half took six months or longer to feel in control of their lives.

A reason for that, Mr Nichol said, was because a player's identity could be solely linked to sport.

Photo: Photosport

"That's where you have got to resist it and you've got to fight it. Whether it's rugby, a swimmer or a footballer or any professional athlete where they get labelled very early on and that becomes their sole identity.

"The challenge we put on the athletes is to say: 'You're way more than a swimmer, you're a person with talent. Take those attributes, take those skills and explore other opportunities in life and find other passions and pursue them,'" he said.

Photo: Photosport

Mr Nichol said it was unfortunate it had taken a death for some players to seek help.

"It has hit home but dear I say it, it's not the first time. Every month when you look globally in the professional rugby fraternity - there is something happening. Sometimes it makes the headlines and sometimes it doesn't, but it's a form of tragedy or heartache that resonates with the player and it certainly results in activity and discussion among the players and a number of those players take some positive action," he said.

Photo: Photosport

Former All Blacks captain and now Blues coach Tana Umaga said the sport needed to create an environment where players felt comfortable talking about mental health issues.

"That doesn't come around by just saying it. It's actually doing things to allow players to understand they can't be a bit vulnerable and show [their] feelings, which is not a male thing to do especially in a rugby context.

"We've just to help each other and talk - not just with each other but our families and make sure we are connected in that respect," he said.

"That's actually one of the toughest things [as a coach] trying to get to know all the players and some of their habits, so that when they do come in and they're not feeling well we can pick that up straight away."

Mr Nichol said he believed that environment was evolving.

"Back in the '90s rugby was great and had its values... but I have noticed the younger generation are a lot more caring towards one another and a lot more connected with one another."

He believed social media had helped that.

"Everyone has a crack at social media and all that but the level of connectivity and empathy between them is really special."