Traditionally, good ancestry would seem a bonus, but when the name is Campese, you have to wonder. Rising rugby league star Terry Campese, nephew of David, has been selected for the highest honour in the Aussie game, to play in the forthcoming State of Origin series, for New South Wales, yet his selection has precipitated a fresh outpouring of bilge from Uncle David, who seems to make a living from his loud, playground opinions.

Indeed, Uncle David has started sharing his thoughts on YouTube on a programme he calls The 11th Commandment (subtitle Thou shalt tell it like it is). In Week One, he rails against referees, tattoos and anti-racism. On the latter, he opines: “Everyone is so sensitive these days.” And: “A little slur here and there? Take it in the spirit.” And: “If you’re worried about being called a racist, don’t play the sport, go and play marbles.”

Uncle David has also lent his diplomatic hand to Terry’s negotiations with Canberra Raiders. He writes that “for the last couple of years, the coaches have been fart-arsing him around” and recommends Terry should say: “If you’re not going to look after me, I have to go.”

Ronaldo still has much to prove

News from Brazil is that Ronaldo, 32 years old and back in form, has to improve even further if he is to earn a recall to the national team from Dunga, the coach. It is understood that Dunga’s stance is not related to the one-match ban that the striker is serving for pulling an opponent’s hair.

A prisoners’ Tour de France

As if prison was not hard enough, a group of French inmates will be let out of jail next week to cycle 1,400 miles to Paris. This is a prisoners’ Tour de France, with 196 convicts due to ride a route from Lille that stops in 17 towns, each with their own prison. The prisoners will be marshalled by 124 cycling prison guards and breakaway groups from the front of the peloton will not be allowed. The prisoners’ Tour de France is intended as a vehicle to teach the values of hard work and a team ethos. There is no early release deal for the winner of the yellow jersey.