Why Do People Love David Campese?
David Campese is an Australian rugby union legend who played on the wing for the Wallabies national team from 1982 to 1996. He scored a then-world record 64 tries in tests and was a crucial part of Australia’s 1991 World Cup winning squad. Campese was known for his attacking flair, blistering pace, and outspoken personality. Here’s an in-depth look at why he remains a beloved figure in rugby over 25 years after his international retirement.
Unmatched Try-Scoring Prowess
One of the main reasons Campese is so revered is his incredible try-scoring record at the highest level. His 64 test tries stood as the world record for nearly 15 years until it was broken by Daisuke Ohata of Japan in 2006. To this day, Campese remains the top Australian try scorer in tests.
| Player | Country | Test Tries |
|---|---|---|
| David Campese | Australia | 64 |
| Bryan Habana | South Africa | 67 |
| Daisuke Ohata | Japan | 69 |
| Bryan Habana | South Africa | 67 |
| Christian Cullen | New Zealand | 46 |
Campese crossed the try line in over a third of the 101 tests he played for the Wallabies. His career test try tally is more than triple the number managed by the next best Australian in Joe Roff with 16 tries.
Tries in Big Matches
Not only did Campese score prolifically overall, but he also had a knack for touching down in rugby’s biggest matches. He scored tries in:
- 3 World Cup semi-finals (1987, 1991, 1995)
- 2 World Cup finals (1991, 2003)
- Bledisloe Cup decider vs. New Zealand in 1986
- Hong Kong Sevens in 1988
His two tries in the 1991 World Cup final victory over England are among his most famous scores and cemented his legend in Australian rugby folklore.
Swashbuckling Style of Play
Part of what endeared Campese to fans was his daring playing style as a wing threequarter. He was renowned for his courage in running intricate lines and beating multiple defenders through a potent combination of searing pace and perfectly timed dummy runs.
Despite his smaller stature at 5’8″ and 176 lbs, Campese had no fear when confronting much larger opponents and would happily run right at them looking to evade their clutches with his footwork and acceleration. This bravery and self-belief resonated with supporters.
Flair and Unpredictability
As well as his bravery, Campese thrilled crowds with his flair and unpredictable running lines. He had a uncanny ability to create space for himself through subtle changes of pace and angle. Once in space, his acceleration over the first 10-15 meters was virtually unmatched.
Opposition coaches and defenders never quite knew what to expect from the elusive Australian wing. This aura of unpredictability and potential for the spectacular whenever he had the ball in hand endeared him to fans and neutrals alike.
Prestigious Accolades
In recognition of his immense contributions to rugby, Campese received numerous prestigious individual honors over his career:
- Inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2013
- Named in the World XV team of the 20th Century in 1999
- Awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1990
- Won Australian Rugby Player of the Year 3 times (1983, 1988, 1991)
- Australian Co-Captain at the 1991 and 1995 World Cups
These huge honors underline Campese’s status as one of the all-time greats of not just Australian rugby but world rugby as well. His place among the game’s immortals has helped cement his legacy and popularity decades after retiring.
Charismatic and Pioneering Public Profile
In addition to his feats on the pitch, part of Campese’s enduring popularity stems from his charismatic public persona off it. Never shy of expressing his opinions, Campese brought a new level of outspokenness and swagger to elite rugby that was rather uncommon at the time.
Whether it was brash statements hyping up his own ability or controversial comments criticizing teammates, coaches, or opponents, Campese generated headlines and exposed rugby to a wider audience through his sound bites and antics. Love him or hate him, he was impossible to ignore.
Status as a Crossover Athlete
While other rugby stars remained relatively low-profile, Campese became a pioneering crossover athlete straddling the worlds of sport and entertainment celebrity in his home country of Australia.
He frequently appeared on television shows, in commercials and ad campaigns, and even participated in reality programs later in life. This multi-platform celebrity status endeared him to many outside of just rugby’s traditional fanbase and established him as a sporting icon in the mainstream consciousness.
Rugby Sevens Success
While Campese made his name and reputation primarily through his exploits in fifteen-a-side rugby, he was also an accomplished and influential figure in rugby sevens – the fast-paced seven-player variant of the game.
He won tournament titles at the prestigious Hong Kong Sevens on four occasions: 1983, 1988, 1990, and 1992. His success helped drive interest in and grow the profile of the sevens format globally during its formative years before it became an Olympic sport.
Campese was an early master at exploiting the spaces created by sevens through his intelligent running lines and scorching pace. As such, he is considered a pioneer of the modern attacking sevens style that has taken the abbreviated format to new heights in popularity over recent decades.
Standing Up Against Racism
Beyond just his playing skills, one of the reasons many fans respect and admire Campese is the principled stand he took against racism and discrimination during his career. As a man of Italian heritage, he experienced racial abuse first-hand from opposition fans and even some teammates.
However, rather than staying silent, Campese forcefully spoke out against these insults and injustices. He became a high-profile campaigner for greater diversity, inclusion, and respect across all sports.
His willingness to use his platform and personal experiences to raise awareness around these important issues struck a chord with the public. It cast Campese in a brave, ethical light beyond just being a supremely talented rugby player.
Conclusion
In summary, David Campese’s status as a beloved figure in rugby stems from a combination of his unparalleled accomplishments on the field and his pioneering impact and persona off it.
As a player, his world record try-scoring tally, courage and flair in attack, and vital contributions to Australia’s 1991 World Cup triumph cemented him as an all-time great. However, it was his charismatic public profile as an outspoken crossover celebrity who transcended rugby that truly turned him into a bona fide icon revered by fans across multiple generations and demographics.
Campese’s willingness to speak out against racism and discrimination, and his trailblazing style that revolutionized both fifteens and sevens rugby, also significantly added to his enduring popularity and legacy decades after retiring. He was truly a player and personality ahead of his time.
While flamboyant and controversial at times, Campese’s supreme self-belief and uncompromising style ultimately reflected a fierce Australian sporting ethos that struck a chord with supporters both in his homeland and abroad. He remains an indispensable figure in the folklore not just of Wallabies rugby but the sport’s global heritage and cultural zeitgeist.
From his freakish try-scoring exploits to his outspoken antics and crossover celebrity appeal, David Campese left an indelible mark on rugby through his skills, personality, and pioneering spirit. It’s clearly evident why fans – whether they loved him or loved to hate him – simply loved “Campo” the player and the person across his storied career and life after retiring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was David Campese’s rugby position?
David Campese played wing for the Australian national rugby union team, the Wallabies. As a wing threequarter, his main roles were finishing off attacking moves by scoring tries and providing an offensive threat out wide with his blistering pace.
How many test tries did David Campese score?
Campese scored an Australian record 64 tries in test matches for the Wallabies over his international career spanning from 1982 to 1996. This tally stood as the world record for nearly 15 years until surpassed by Daisuke Ohata of Japan in 2006.
Did David Campese win any World Cups?
Yes, David Campese was a key member of the Australian squad that won the 1991 Rugby World Cup. He scored two tries in the final against England to help clinch the Wallabies’ first world title. Campese also played at the 1987, 1995, and 2003 World Cups.
What controversies or incidents was David Campese involved in?
Campese frequently courted controversy through his outspoken statements and brash personality. He criticized teammates and coaches, made boastful claims about his abilities, and even engaged in some unsportsmanlike on-field incidents like his famous “victory lap” celebration after scoring versus the New Zealand All Blacks.
How was David Campese honored for his rugby career?
Among the major honors and accolades Campese received were:
- Induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame (2013)
- Named in the World XV team of the 20th Century (1999)
- Awarded the prestigious Order of Australia Medal (1990)
- Australian Rugby Player of the Year (1983, 1988, 1991)
