Legend shows way forward

Bahrain has been blessed over the years to welcome a number of famous sports stars, ranging from those still plying their trade through to those who have retired into a life of reminiscing about past glories for the benefit of fans.

Yet few can be genuinely described as a legend – although that is a term that is frequently banded around in modern society.

Shortly before retaining his gold medal at the world championships on the pommel horse (gymnastics), GB’s Max Whitlock spoke about his career goal of designing a new move that would carry his name beyond retirement, thereby immortalising his legacy.

While ‘goose step’ is not his name, it is a move that is exclusively synonymous with David Campese. 

Statistically, he may have notched 64 tries for his country, a national record and one-time world record, yet it was the manner in which he ghosted past defenders for which he will be fondly remembered and this move that ensures that he is always named as one of the sport’s greatest players ever.

The ‘Wizard of Oz’ thrilled his fans in Bahrain and left a lasting impression on the kingdom’s young players after an action-packed weekend at the Bahrain Rugby Football Club (BRFC).

‘Campo’, 52, was the guest speaker at a lavish banquet on Friday night, and the Australian also spent his time coaching the youth rugby team, signing autographs for admirers, and playing golf for the lucky winner of a charity auction.

His visit was in support of the Bill McLaren Foundation, an initiative named after rugby’s most iconic commentator. Money raised from the visit will go towards promoting the values of the sport and developing rugby union for the next generation of players.

Campese told my sports reporting colleague Kristian Harrison afterwards: “I had a fantastic time in Bahrain. The team at the rugby club are very well organised and everything went well.

“The coaching was really fun. The kids have good skills and if they keep the right attitude and practice hard, then they’re going to become great players.

“The dinner was very well run and I’m grateful to everybody that came down to be a part of it. I hope to see you all again soon!”

At the dinner, Campese relayed some of the best stories from a glittering career in which he won 101 caps for the national side and held the record for the most number of international tries.

He brought widespread laughter as he recalled how on his international debut in New Zealand he was asked on arrival in Auckland what he thought of Stu Wilson (one of the greatest Kiwi wingers ever, who he was due to play against), and he replied: “Stu Who?”

This was actually not meant as a slight on Wilson, but as a young 19 year-old who had been brought up on Rugby League, not Union, he genuinely did not know who the star was.

He also shared the wonderful statistic that he only made three tackles in his life … three of them were accidental and the other was on his wife on their wedding night!

One of the aspects that made Campese such a fascinating speaker, both on stage and socially, was the insight he provided into the workings of the mind of a professional athlete while he also spoke passionately about coaching, playing and even the administration of the sport. He played in different positions across the backline, with and against other top players of the time, and was fortunate enough to travel the world playing the game he loved.

He spent 10 seasons in Italian rugby whose season dovetailed nicely with his domestic league. Since retirement he still travels extensively and is huge demand to give his valued opinion as an after-dinner speaker and commentator.

The Aussie great started as an amateur before being amongst the first group of players to turn professional. One senses that it is his roots that still form a strong part of the man he is, a gentleman with a passion for the game rather someone concentrating on financial gain.

One guest, Barry Hobday, waxed lyrical about the event afterwards. He said: “Campo was a great guest and he told some wonderful stories, many of which will stand in my memory for a long while.

“The rugby club committee did an awesome job setting up a lovely marquee that gave a fantastic atmosphere for the dinner. It was also nice to see the support for the Bill McLaren Foundation. Many items of rugby memorabilia were auctioned off and they raised a great deal of money in support of this worthwhile cause.”

The auctioned items included actual and commemorative shirts worn and signed by Campese in addition to Scotland and British and Irish Lions jerseys. The final lot was a round of golf with the legend himself – who is now a keen golfer and plays off a handicap of 7. A staggering total of BD4,755 was raised for the cause.

Jonty Crosse and Andy Walsh were the golfers who joined Campo and Alan Lawson, former Scottish international and MD of the ‘voice of rugby’ Bill McLaren Foundation, at the Royal Golf Club. 

GulfWeekly understands that, despite an element of competitiveness creeping in, the friendly quartet ended all square on the 18th.

The visiting Australian is also a close friend of retired racing driver Mark Webber, having helped to fund his career before he made his breakthrough in F1. 

As a result Campese was keen to visit the Bahrain International Circuit where he enjoyed touring the track and facilities while he also praised the off-road attraction too.

The success of the visit sees Campese hoping to return in the near future. He has aspirations to develop his own coaching academy throughout the West-Asia region with the aim of developing young talent and providing them with additional opportunities to fall in love with the game.

I’m sure Bahrain would welcome him back with open arms.