One of the world’s greatest rugby stars will appear in the Borders in May during one of only two stops on a Scotland tour, writes Fiona Scott.
Iconic Australian rugby union legend David Campese will attend a lunch hosted by The Bill McLaren Foundation and Hawick RFC on Sunday, May 12, and be providing his own view of the forthcoming British & Irish Lions tour to Australia.
The event will be hosted by top Australian comic and MC Justin Karcher and include a raffle and auction.
Looking ahead to the occasion, Greens president Rory Bannerman said: “Hawick Rugby Club are thrilled that one of Bill McLaren’s favourites is gracing us with his company. It will be a memorable and entertaining day.”
Campese is a household name in the rugby world with many considering him one of the greatest and most entertaining players to have ever graced the field.
Representing Australia for 15 years, he achieved – and still holds – the world record for the most tries in a test match. In 1988 he played for the Australian side against the South of Scotland at Mansfield Park, which the Aussies won comfortably, and in 1990 was part of the Randwick team that lifted the Melrose 7s title.
Despite being retired for almost 10 years, Campo’s resounding impact on the sport is still evident in his controversial yet consistently-accurate opinion of the game which continues to entertain throughout the international rugby world.
Speaking about his impending visit, Campese said: “I am very much looking forward to supporting the Bill McLaren Foundation.
“I understand there may be former British Lions in attendance at Hawick and it is something that I am really looking forward to. Bill McLaren was indeed the Voice of Rugby and it is with great honour that I will be supporting this wonderful charity.”
Tickets, priced at £45, are available from John Thorburn at john@billmclarenfoundation.co.uk, phone 07929 655132.