Wallabies legend David Campese has been slammed by current and former players for questioning whether a female newspaper journalist should write about rugby.

In a tweet posted on Wednesday morning Campese referred to Fairfax journalist Georgina Robinson, who is covering Australia’s current tour of Europe.

“Why does the smh get a girl to write about rugby. Growden who was a great jornio (sic) and now we have someone who has no idea about the game!” was the tweet from Campese’s official account.

“Growden” is Fairfax’s long-time rugby writer Greg Growden who took redundancy just over a month ago.

Australian rugby’s record tryscorer Campese deleted the tweet but was unable to use his famous goose-step to avoid the criticism.

Wallaby flanker David Pocock, in Cardiff preparing to make his comeback from injury in the weekend’s season-ending Test against Wales, defended Robinson.

“Really sad to see journos attacked based on their gender. Or a grown woman referred to as a ‘girl’ #destroyingthejoint,” Pocock wrote.

Former dual international Wendell Sailor also criticised the comment.

“Well good morning to u Campo & I have to say r are on ur own with this comment it’s 2012 champ,” Sailor tweeted.

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.”

Former Australian Associated Press journalist Margie McDonald, now with The Australian, was the first female to cover a Wallabies tour back in 1988, when Campese was a member of the side.