DAVID CAMPESE, a man who took his talents to the Italian club scene long before the game's professional era was officially inaugurated, expressed profound disagreement and surprise yesterday at the 180 day qualification rule, introduced by the International Rugby Board for players moving from one union to play their club rugby under another union's jurisdiction.

Campese's name has been linked with several English clubs and he has expressed an interest in playing in England. "I find the ruling very strange to say the least of it. We are in an new era for the game. I just do not understand how such a ruling can be made by the Board in the current circumstances. It seems to me as if we could have one rule for some and other rules for others."

Campese was obviously referring to the possibility that unions could come to their own arrangements with regard to transfers.

There is a belief that the rule was implemented primarily to prevent players playing in both the southern and northern hemispheres in the same year. It is possible to do that as the respective seasons do not overlap to any great degree.

"On a personal level, I am as enthusiastic about playing the game as I have ever been" said Campese. "Whether I am as good as ever is for others to judge."