Former Wallaby David Campese has been criticised for questioning Fairfax Media for having a female journalist cover rugby union.
"Why does the smh get a girl to write about rugby," Campese posted on Twitter. "[Former Fairfax Media rugby union journalist Greg] Growden who was great jornio (sic) and now we have someone who has no idea about the game."Campese later tweeted: ‘‘Sometimes it is good to see some people react to thing you say. Please relax and see the light side of life. All press are the same.’’
Georgina Robinson is currently reporting on the Wallabies tour of Europe. Robinson has been reporting on rugby on a full-time basis for Fairfax Media since September last year and covered the Rugby World Cup, Super Rugby the Rugby Championship.
Managing Editor of Sport for Fairfax Media Ian Fuge said Robinson was an excellent sports journalist.
"Fairfax Media is lucky to have Georgina. I couldn't be happier with the quality of her coverage of the rugby round and nor could our readers," Fuge said.
"In a short space of time she has become a vital voice in the sport. I am staggered that anyone would criticise any sports reporter because of their gender. Georgina wasn't chosen for the rugby writer's role on the basis of her gender and neither should her work be judged as such.
"She is a fine rugby reporter - already up there with the best."
Campese removed the tweet from his account but he was roundly condemned for the comment.
Wallaby David Pocock tweeted: "Really sad to see journos attacked based on their gender," Pocock said. "Or a grown woman referred to as a 'girl' #destroyingthejoint."
Wendell Sailor, who represented Australia in rugby league and rugby union, also attacked Campese's comments.
"Well good morning to u Campo & i have to say u are on ur own with this comment it's 2012 champ," Sailor wrote.
Campese later tweeted: "Sometimes it is good to see some people react to thing you say. Please relax and see the light side of life. All press are the same."
smh.com.au
