Australia rugby legend David Campese has ranted about the state of rugby in his homeland ahead of the Wallabies’ clash with England. Australia will face Steve Borthwick’s team at Twickenham in an Autumn International showdown on Saturday after England were defeated by New Zealand in their first match of the series last weekend.
Campese was part of the Australia side that completed a clean sweep of the four home unions during a 1984 tour.
His flamboyant style on the pitch became instantly recognisable, but he has landed himself in hot water off the pitch since retiring from the sport due to his outspoken views.
And the 62-year-old told The Telegraph: “If we didn’t have the Lions or the World Cup in 2027 then there’d be no rugby union in Australia at all.
“We’re in so much debt, but the board is still there. What do they say, a fish rots from the head? I could pick 10 people to replace them who would do a far better job.
“I’ve been cancelled so the only way I can get my message across is through my own podcast, Campo: Uncut & Uncensored. There’s not one journalist in Australia who speaks to me. I was kicked off [Australian subscription streaming service] Stan and out the paper so that’s why I do my podcasts. It’s because I tell the truth.”
He also lashed out at the coaching set-up, with Australia struggling on the pitch in recent years, as he explained: “And then there’s [head coach] Joe Schmidt. He has no idea about Australian rugby. He’s a New Zealander.
“He’s not interested in finding out who we are. We used to counter-attack or, at least, attack from the opposition 22. Now, we maul from the 22. That’s not Australian rugby. We used to attack.
“In Australia, we need to entertain to get people to watch. We have four ‘football’ codes out here. When you’re mauling the ball, it’s not good enough.
“I’m not saying he’s a bad coach but why do we have to have a New Zealand coach? We’re not New Zealanders.
“Mike Catt is coming up to coach the Waratahs. He has no idea about Australian rugby either – he’s South African-English.”
And launching an attack on the playing squad, he added: “The culture and the history of a club, country or business is very important. If you don’t understand why you’re playing, then it doesn’t help. In 1984, we were so proud.
“I’m not saying the current Wallabies aren’t but it’s a different mindset, mate. It’s about money. They’re paid. It’s a job. That’s part of life – that’s good. But when you get paid and you play for a big country I think you should have more respect and understanding of why you’re there.”
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