MENTION the name David Campese and every Fijian rugby fan will immediately conjure up the famous goose-stepping Wallabies player who once wrecked havoc on the rugby field.
Campo played 101 times for the Wallabies – 85 Tests at wing and 16 Tests at fullback.
He debuted for Australia on their rugby union tour of New Zealand in 1982 during which he scored one try in two Tests and by 1983 he equalled the then Australian record for most tries in a Test match scoring four tries for Australia against the USA.
But despite his many achievements both on and off the field, Campo says it’s his family that kept him grounded.
With his work as the ambassador for University of Newcastle in Australia and his sporting career, he travels across the globe to promote rugby.
But nothing brings peace and a sense of belonging then being with his beautiful wife Lara and their three gorgeous children — Sienna, Jason and Mercedes.
I caught up with Campese also known as ‘Campo’, who was in Fiji to hold a series of coaching clinics and educational mentorship to selected schools last week.
Throughout our conversation, it was clear he loved to talk about his family and their achievements.
“I love being with my family and travelling to places I have never been to. I am proud of them. You know my wife came from Zimbabwe in Africa to Australia and it’s not an easy thing to do.
Obviously my kids – you know at the moment – are very nice kids, very respectful.
We try to teach them the right and wrong and for them to respect others.
“The opportunity to travel and meet people and learn their culture is a great way to see the world.”
He considers the opportunity to play for Australia, playing 7s rugby at the Commonwealth Games in 1998, winning the 15s Rugby World Cup in 1991 and just being part of a very successful team as some of his memorable moments.
For a young boy who grew up in a town called Queanbeyan, in New South Wales, Australia, he never imagined where rugby would take him.
“I played all sports and got to play rugby at age 16.
“I didn’t go to a private school, I went to a government school, I didn’t finish school because sport was my priority and I was very fortunate to be at the right place at the right time and got to travel the world.
“I played with a lot of islanders especially the Fijians and Tongans and I found them to be very nice people, and I had a good relationship with a lot of the islanders.
“Growing up and getting to travel the world representing Australia, you obviously learn the responsibilities of representing your country and the people you meet and I’ve always said that in life as a sportsperson, people always judge you off the field because on the field they will know what you do, off the field you get to be normal and I’ve just been very privileged to have a great life so far.
“I am obsessed with winning still.
“Trying to get people to understand the fun of sports and just trying to let people know that you get one opportunity and you got to make the most of it.
“If you really want to strive to be something you got to work hard. Thing aren’t given to you on a platter, you need to work hard. The harder you work the more rewards you get.
“My advice to young people out there is education is important. Sometimes, I wish I went back and probably made sure I’d finish school, get a good education and you know better myself because rugby seems to be my only avenue at the moment and it’s pretty frustrating.
“But live for today the opportunities are there in sport and education and just enjoy while you’re on earth. You think it’s a long time but the world passes by quickly nowadays.
“Listen, learn to be respectful of others and enjoy what you do,” he said.
