Australian Rugby Icon David Campese Launches Barbed Critique at British & Irish Lions Ahead of Tour Opener
Australian rugby icon David Campese has never been renowned for holding his tongue, and the former Wallabies winger has once again stoked the rugby fires with a fierce critique of the British & Irish Lions as they touch down in Australia. Ahead of the Lions’ opening tour fixture against Western Force in Perth, Campese delivered a stream of pointed commentary about Andy Farrell’s squad selection, leadership, and even the broader state of the game in both hemispheres.
The Lions, drawn from the elite rugby talent of England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, have long been a symbol of unity across Britain and Ireland. However, Campese took aim at the composition of the current squad, highlighting the presence of several players with roots in the Southern Hemisphere – particularly the Pacific Islands. With a typical blend of humour and sharpness, the Wallabies legend suggested a new moniker might be in order, joking, “I’m going to call them the British, Irish and Pacific Island Lions – there are so many Australian Islanders in there now.”
Campese, a central figure in Australia’s 1991 Rugby World Cup victory, didn’t restrict his criticism to squad heritage. He questioned the cohesion possible when four nations are forced to unite, a recurring talking point in rugby circles. “It’s always tough when you’ve got four nations in one team,” he noted, suggesting the make-up of the squad might present challenges on and off the pitch during a pressurised tour scenario.
Focus shifted to individual players, with England’s Maro Itoje, named captain for the tour, falling under Campese’s scrutiny. The former winger disparaged Itoje’s leadership qualities, arguing that the lock “fails to lead by example” and warning he could become a liability as the tour unfolds. It’s a stinging assessment, especially from a player who himself wore national colours with great effect.
Campese also used his platform to raise questions about Lions head coach Andy Farrell’s decision making. Referring to the side’s recent unexpected defeat against Argentina in Dublin, the Wallabies stalwart cited concerns about tactical selections and the squad’s physicality. “If they perform like they did in Dublin during the Test series, they’ll be toast Down Under,” he wrote recently in his column for PlanetRugby, adding that unless the Lions rectify their issues urgently, a three-nil defeat in the Test series is a real possibility.
Turning his thoughts back to his home country, Campese lamented the current situation in Australian rugby. “We haven’t got any culture, no one cares, no one knows who we are,” he said in a rather bleak assessment of the domestic game. The introduction of Joe Schmidt as national coach also drew fire, with Campese questioning Schmidt’s connection to the game’s heritage in Australia and the involvement of Les Kiss, known for his background in rugby league. These comments reflect an ongoing sense of uncertainty and transition within Australian rugby circles.
Reflecting on the mood and expectations surrounding the Lions, Campese stressed the gravity of wearing the famous red jersey: “Wearing the Lions shirt carries with it a weight of expectation. Those challenges were not met on Friday night.” For many supporters, the Lions represent more than just a rugby squad – they are a symbol of shared tradition, pride, and high standards, and Campese’s remarks will no doubt resonate with fans on both sides of the globe keenly watching for how the tourists respond.
The British & Irish Lions are now preparing to kick off their 2025 Australian tour in Perth, with their Test series opener against the Wallabies scheduled for 19 July in Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium. There is much for Farrell and his squad to prove, both in terms of unity and form, as Campese’s words cast a long shadow over their preparations.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, Campese’s forthright opinions are sure to provoke debate, encouragement, and perhaps a timely rallying cry for the Lions to rediscover their best form. One thing is certain: as the rugby world’s gaze turns to Australia, expectations, pressure and intrigue are reaching fever pitch.