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David Campese
Helping Australia win the 1991 Rugby World Cup with daring running and six tournament tries.
World Cup winner · Tournament standout
- Born
- 21 October 1962
- Birthplace
- Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia
More people
David Campese
David Campese was an Australian wing and fullback famous for his deceptive goosestep. He combined brilliant attacking instincts with a willingness to take risks, finishing his Test career with 64 tries.
Early life
Rugby league first
Played rugby league for the Queanbeyan Blues as a child.
Switch to union
Joined the Queanbeyan Whites before progressing to Australia’s under-21 team.
Career
- 1982
Wallabies debut
Scored on his Test debut against New Zealand.
- 1984
Grand Slam tour
Helped Australia beat all four British and Irish home nations.
- 1996
Test retirement
Ended his international XVs career with 101 caps.
- 1998
Commonwealth sevens
Captained Australia to a bronze medal in rugby sevens.
Achievements
World Cup winner
Played a leading role in Australia’s first World Cup triumph.
Tournament standout
Scored six tries and was named Player of the Tournament.
64 Test tries
Retired with a then-world-record Test try total.
Beyond sport
Coaching and commentary
Shared his attacking approach through coaching, broadcasting and public speaking.
Italian club rugby
Played club rugby in Italy as well as Australia, reflecting his family’s Italian connection.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗World Rugby Hall of Fame ↗Photo: Australia embassy in Suva. CC BY 4.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
