Few rugby union players have made as big an impact on the sport as ‘Campo’, who turns 53 today.
As a phenomenally-talented full-back, his jinking runs and dumbfounding step earned him the player-ofthe- tournament prize as his six tries helped Australia to the Rugby World Cup-crown.
Since retiring, he has become an outspoken but enlightening commentator on the game.
Campese excelled from the moment he pulled on the gold jersey, making a fool of New Zealand great Stu Wilson on debut in 1982.
He would go on to score an incredible 63 tries in 102 appearances. His risk taker often paid off but a loss of the ball on his try line in 1989 saw the British and Irish Lions prevail. His reputation was boosted three years later as Australia became champions of the world.
Such was his effortless style, a nickname of “Too Easy” entered the Australian vernacular.
1940: Geoffrey Boycott, former Yorkshire and England batsman and now media pundit (75).
1967: Paul Ince, former England, Manchester United, Liverpool and Internazionale midfielder (48).
1971: Damien Martyn, former Australia cricketer who retired during the 2006-07 Ashes campaign (44).
1981: Nemanja Vidic, Serbia and Internazionale defender who made his name at Manchester United (34).
