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David Campese

Rugby Union Player David Campese

Profession: Rugby Union Player

Nationality:
Australia
Australian

Biography: David Campese is an Australian rugby union player, considered one of the sport's finest. His career is distinguished by his unique playing style, record-breaking try count, and his role in Australia's 1991 Rugby World Cup victory.

Campese made his Wallabies debut in 1982, following a start in rugby union at 17 years old. He quickly drew attention by scoring in his first international Tests. By the 1987 Rugby World Cup, he had set a world record for most tries by any player at the international level.

Campese was known for his innovative "goose-step," which baffled defense players worldwide. His career was highlighted by his pivotal performances in the 1991 Rugby World Cup, where he was named "Player of the Tournament," and by setting a then world-record of 64 Test tries. He was also the first Australian to play in 100 Tests.

At the club level, he played for the Queanbeyan Whites and Randwick, winning grand finals with both. His state playing career spanned the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. On the international stage, Campese was a part of historic victories like the 1984 Grand Slam tour and the 1986 Bledisloe Cup series.

Campese also played at the Hong Kong Sevens, where he contributed to Australia's wins and was named 'Player of the Tournament' in 1988. Over his career he had notable interactions with other major players, such as Nick Farr-Jones and especially opposition from John Kirwan of New Zealand.

After retiring in 1996, he was ultimately awarded the Order of Australia in 2002. He has also been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, the Australian Rugby Union Hall of Fame, and the IRB Hall of Fame.

Born: October 21, 1962
Birthplace: Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia
Age: 61 years old

Generation: Baby Boomer
Chinese Zodiac: Tiger
Star Sign: Libra

Historical Events

  • 1991-11-02 2nd Rugby World Cup Final, Twickenham: Australia beats England, 12-6 with Wallabies fly-half Michael Lynagh landing 2 penalties and a conversion
  • 1996-12-01 Flamboyant Australian rugby union winger David Campese ends his 15-year, 101 Test career at Cardiff Arms Park in Wales; Wallabies beat Wales, 28-19; Campese scores record 64 career tries

Biographies and Sources


Famous Rugby Union Players