Former Queensland skipper set for Hall of Fame honour

Former Queensland captain Cheyenne Campbell is set to be inducted into the Queensland Rugby Union Hall of Fame, with this announcement recognising and celebrating the utility’s esteemed career for state and country.

Campbell represented Australia at the 2010 and 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cups, and also had the honour of captaining Queensland. The Hall of Fame inductee was primarily a centre with both Queensland and the Wallaroos before shifting to the front row later on.

After moving to hooker later in her career with the Reds from 2016 to 2018, the now 38-year-old was rewarded with selection in the Wallaroos squad for the 2017 World Cup in Ireland. Australia were beaten by Canada 43-12 in the fifth-place playoff on August 26.

In Brisbane’s club rugby scene, Campbell played a central role in Easts’ run to a historic four-peat of premierships from 2008 to 2011. Campbell, who is the cousin of former Wallaby Quade Cooper, would later help Redlands claim some silverware in 2013.

Campbell’s decorated career spanned 17 Tests for Australia and 34 games for Queensland. The QRU have announced Campbell, fullback Roger Gould, 2011 Super Rugby-winning captain James Horwill and Patrick Murphy as new Hall of Fame inductees.

Those named will be inducted into the HOF at the Season Launch Long Lunch on Friday February 6 at City Hall in Brisbane’s CBD.

“It’s such an honour to be even considered for the Hall of Fame. There’s disbelief mixed in there for sure because when I got the phone call (from the QRU) I thought it could be around coaching or presenting jerseys,” Campbell said.

“You might get measured at 164cm but you can walk tall. The physicality and competitiveness have always been parts to rugby that I’ve taken on.

“I was lucky enough to go to this year’s Season Launch Long Lunch to see Bronny Laidlaw inducted. It was a great celebration and it will be such a cool thing to be involved in myself.

“Representing your state and higher honours are amazing feelings for both yourself and your family.

“Playing in the centres and at hooker are two worlds apart. I took advice to switch to hooker to get more game time. The challenge to better myself, be stronger and fitter, and push to another World Cup were motivation.”

Campbell continues to make an impact within Queensland rugby, contributing as a player-coach for Redlands this season as a 38-year-old.

The Hall of Famer is a mentor to younger players hoping to make their own mark in the game, which includes time with students at Shailer Park State High. With their humanities teacher leading the way, those students at Shailer Park have been playing sevens for the last two years.