Bears lure Wallabies legend in key code-switch signing

June 21, 2026 — 3:00am

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The Perth Bears have signed Wallabies legend David Campese as their recruitment guru as they try to tap into the best rugby talent in South Africa.

The code switch of one of Australian rugby’s biggest names is a bold move and has the potential to be the marquee signing the Bears have been craving.

The plan is to establish a rugby league academy in South Africa and capitalise on the vast amount of talent in the rugby ranks. Perth doesn’t have a natural junior base, but if the Bears can establish a production line of players coming out of the Rainbow Nation, it will be a masterstroke.

At worst, it is a concept worth giving a go. It’s a five-year project, so it’s a serious attempt to capitalise on the talent available in South Africa. The Bears’ aim is to bring players into their pathways as they develop, with the aim of bringing a couple of players through every year.

“South Africa consistently generates more professional-calibre rugby players than its domestic franchises can fill and Perth is uniquely positioned to capitalise on this with direct travel alongside an already well-established South African community in Perth,” Bears CEO Anthony De Ceglie said.

“Our South Africa strategy, which is still before the ARLC, is being run by our elite pathways manager Ian Millward and recruitment manager Dane Campbell with oversight, of course, by head coach Mal Meninga. We’re all really excited about the experience and expertise that a legend like David Campese can bring to the strategy.

“The absolute key for the Perth Bears is to create a sustainable long-term pathway from South Africa to Perth - building on our Bears Tracks Academy blueprint.”

The project is understood to have been heavily driven by ARLC chairman Peter V’landys, who identified Campese as the person to head it up.

Vlandys said: “South Africa has always had big, skilful rugby players. I have always believed you could procure a couple of their marquee players who would adapt to rugby league. It not only brings new exciting talent and a new dimension into our game but a new market in South Africa, as South African Rugby fans will follow their journey.”

Day-to-day communication with Campese has been through Bears board member James Bracey. As a rugby identity, there are none bigger in Australia than Campese and to persuade him to switch codes is a significant win for league.

Campo was highly sought after as a player at his peak, and he has known Meninga for decades.

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