Former Wallabies wing David Campese has slammed the state of Test rugby, claiming that referees are far too involved in the modern game.

Campese’s comments come as the Rugby Championship is at its most heavily contested, with all four nations still in the race for the title with two rounds left to play.

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However, the former World Cup winner claims the inconsistency of each team is down to their performances being compromised by officiating.

“It’s a farce,” Campese told Daily Mail Australia. “The referees think they are the most important person on the field. They think it’s about them, but it’s not. It’s about the game. It’s about the players and the supporters.

“People don’t pay their money to watch a referee blow his whistle. They go to watch a game of football. They want to see tries, not penalty goals. It’s sad. The way things are now, it’s a joke.

“I know I talk about the good old days, but it’s hard not to. I’m an old fart, I admit that, but I’ve always been outspoken, and I can’t say things are good if they are not.

“The TMO [television match official] and referees are ruining the game.”

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