Australian · Queanbeyan, New South Wales · Born 21 October 1962David Campese was an Australian wing who held the world record for Test tries and starred in the Wallabies' 1991 Rugby World Cup triumph.
David Ian Campese AM was born on 21 October 1962 in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia, and progressed through the ACT provincial system before joining the Queanbeyan Whites and later Randwick. He made his Wallabies debut in 1982, and developed into one of the most flamboyant, unpredictable, and individually gifted attacking players the sport has ever produced. Campese was capped 101 times by Australia across a 14-year international career, playing 85 Tests on the wing and 16 at full-back, and became renowned for his instinctive, improvisational running style, often abandoning conventional structure in favour of audacious individual play that thrilled crowds and occasionally frustrated his own coaches in equal measure. Campese was a central figure in Australia's 1991 World Cup triumph, delivering a series of dazzling individual performances that helped the Wallabies win their first world title, and finished his career as one of the highest try-scorers in the history of international rugby. Campese played club rugby in Italy for Petrarca Padova and Amatori Rugby Milano during the amateur era, when players sought income outside the sport's traditional structures, before returning to New South Wales to finish his career. He retired in 1996 and was awarded the Order of Australia in 2002 for his contribution to the sport, later moving into coaching roles in Singapore, South Africa, and Tonga.
Held world record for most international tries
How They Played
Campese was renowned for his attacking brilliance, pace, and ability to create tries from seemingly impossible positions. His trademark 'goose step' side-step bamboozled defenders, while his willingness to counter-attack from deep in his own territory made him a constant threat. He possessed exceptional ball-handling skills and vision that allowed him to create opportunities for teammates as well as himself.
Lasting Impact
Campese revolutionized the role of the rugby winger, transforming it from a primarily defensive position to an attacking weapon that could strike from anywhere on the field. His entertaining style and try-scoring prowess helped popularize rugby union globally during the amateur era.
Career Honours
- 1991 Rugby World Cup winner
- joint leading try-scorer and Player of the Tournament, 1991 RWC
- Order of Australia
| Club | Period | Apps |
|---|---|---|
| NSW Waratahs | 1982–1996 | — |
| Stade Français | 1996–1998 | — |
| Randwick | 1982–1996 | — |
 Australia | — | 96 |
Australian Athletes