Australian rugby legend David Campese says his views led to him being “canceled” by the country he gave so much to.

Campese, one of rugby’s most historic and recognizable stars, is a two-time World Cup winner with Wallabies and was part of the 1984 Test team which achieved a clean sweep on their tour of the four home nations.

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The then much-loved figure retired from the sport in 1998, but things haven’t exactly gone as planned since then.

A man on hand for the big occasions on the field was only too happy to express his true feelings, causing some ruffles in Australian rugby.

Campese has no plans to change his tactics of holding those responsible responsible for what he describes as a lack of passion and direction within the national team.

“The culture and history of a club, country or company is very important,” Campese said. The telegraph. “If you don’t understand why you’re playing, there’s no point.

“In 1984, we were so proud. I’m not saying the current Wallabies aren’t, but it’s a different mindset, mate. It’s a question of money. They are paid. It’s a job.

“It’s part of life, it’s good. But when you get paid and you play for a big country, I think you should have more respect and understand why you are there.

“It’s not that they don’t care, they’re just playing for a different reason. These days it’s all about money. Unfortunately, it’s a job, and when it’s a job you don’t have the same passion and the same enthusiasm. All you have to do is show up and play. It doesn’t come from the heart.

“They play for a team that has won a grand slam and two World Cups – and they have no idea why they are playing!

“When I started, at 19, I had no idea what I was doing, but I quickly discovered the history and culture of the Wallabies.

“If you told these guys about Greg Cornelsen, no one would know him. He is the only Wallaby to have scored four tries against New Zealand at Eden Park, in 1978!

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“No one has any idea!” It’s a question of money. They get £60,000 or whatever to play for the Wallabies – we get £20 a day. We played 18 matches on the 1984 tour! »

And it’s safe to say Campese and Rugby Australia share a frosty relationship today.

The former star is the governing body responsible for the current state of Australian rugby, which has seen him win just four of his nine matches this year.

Campese called on the board to resign, saying head coach Joe Schmidt has no idea about Australian rugby.

“If we didn’t have the Lions or the World Cup in 2027, there would be no rugby union in Australia,” Campese says.

“We are in so much debt, but the board is still there!” What do they say: a fish rots from the head? I could choose ten people to replace them who would do a much better job.

“I’ve been canceled, so the only way for me to get my message out is through my own podcast, Campo: Uncut & Uncensored. There is not a single journalist in Australia who will talk to me.

“I got fired from Stan (Australian subscription streaming service) and the newspaper, which is why I do my podcasts. It’s because I’m telling the truth.

“And then there’s Joe Schmidt. He has no idea about Australian rugby. He’s a New Zealander. He is not interested in finding out who we are.

“We used to counterattack or, at least, attack from the opposing 22. Now we smear from the 22. That’s not Australian rugby. We used to attack!

“In Australia we have to entertain to get people watching. We have four codes of ‘football’ here. When you mangle the ball it’s not enough.”

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He continued: “I’m not saying he’s a bad coach, but why do we need a New Zealand coach? We are not New Zealanders. No one has ever coached a foreign team to a Rugby World Cup victory.

“Eddie Jones was South Africa’s assistant coach in 2007, but look around the world now and most teams have local coaches.

“We also have a Kiwi Sevens coach – and no one even knew there was a job available.

“Mike Catt is coming to coach the Waratahs. He has no idea about Australian rugby either, he’s South African-English!

“Each country had its own way of playing. It’s just sad to have to call on people from other codes to coach us. This used to be what was unique about rugby; you had your own way of playing.

Ahead of Australia’s clash against England at Twickenham on Saturday, Campese praised Marcus Smith, saying he had “never seen him play so well”, while aiming another dig at Schmidt for his use of Australian duo Tate McDermott and Ben Donaldson.

“England need to keep Smith for 80 minutes,” Campese said. “You can’t take it off. Why would you want to remove one of your best players? Let him play 80 minutes. That’s what rugby used to be!

“We are struggling with (Taniela) Tupou, who only plays 30 minutes of rugby. Let him play 80 minutes, for God’s sake.

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“I have no idea about props but I know one thing: he gets injured in the first ten minutes of a match. It only lasts 30 minutes maximum and he makes a lot of money.

“Someone should tell him (Schmidt) to grow some balls. If you want to be someone, buddy, this is your chance.

“I rate (flyhalf) Donaldson, (scrumhalf) McDermott, (back rowers) Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson.

“The players are there but they don’t play combinations together. McDermott is unpredictable and instinctive but he gives teams space.

“They don’t seem to put Donaldson and McDermott together. Rumor had it Schmidt told Donaldson he was Australia’s best number 10 – but he wasn’t playing it!

“Why? I don’t understand. If you want to label someone, choose them.

“Give them four or five tests together. Don’t keep changing it. You took nine tests this year and we won four of them.