Rugby Australia and the Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies are thrilled to announce 127-cap Wallaby prop James Slipper has re-signed until the 2025 British and Irish Lions Tour.
The new deal sets up the possibility of Slipper becoming the most-capped Australian Super Rugby player, and most-capped Wallaby.
Joining the Queensland Reds academy, making his Super Rugby debut for his home state as a 20-year-old against the NSW Waratahs in 2010.
Slipper’s meteoric rise continued later that year, the then 21-year-old making his Wallabies debut against England. Slipper would go on to feature in every game for the Wallabies in what was his first year in the professional ranks.
Revered for his ability to cover both sides of the scrum, Slipper’s reputation only grew after his maiden season, playing in all but one game in the Reds 2011 Super Rugby title campaign, the youngster missing the Grand Final through injury.
Slipper took over as Reds captain in 2015, going on to make 104 appearances for Queensland.
A move to Canberra and the Brumbies in 2019 helped reinvigorate Slipper’s career, the 34-year-old now a firm favourite among the ACT faithful having played 65 times for the Brumbies to date.
Wallabies and Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies prop, James Slipper said: “I’m really happy at the Brumbies and I’m really grateful for the club’s support in making this possible.”
“I’m a loyal bloke and the Brumbies have shown a lot of faith in me so I’m more than happy to repay that. Canberra is a home for me now, and I’m loving my rugby.
“I’ve always said if I can continue to contribute to the Wallabies and Australian rugby I would, and I know I’ve got to continue earning the right to play for my country, but finishing up my international career with a Lions Tour is certainly something I’m aiming for.”
Wallabies head coach, Eddie Jones said: “James is a world class prop who epitomises what it means to be a Wallaby.”
“He’s a strong leader within the group and someone who will be important for the team moving forward.”
Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies head coach, Stephen Larkham said: “Keeping James past this season is huge for us and I’m thankful to the club, Rugby Australia and Slips for getting this over the line.”
“It’s difficult to quantify Slips’ impact on our team with his leadership and experience but he has had a tremendous impact on this club and is still putting quality performances out on the field so he’ll continue to be an important player for us moving forward.”
James Slipper
Position: Prop
Height: 185cm
Weight: 117kg
Date of Birth: 6/6/1989
Place of Birth: Gold Coast, Queensland
Test debut: 2010 v England in Perth
Test caps: 127
Super Rugby debut: 2010 v NSW Waratahs in Brisbane (playing for the Queensland Reds)
Super Rugby caps: 169
Wallabies v South Africa, 5:05pm SAST/1:05am AEST, Saturday 8 July at Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Wallabies v Argentina, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday 15 July at CommBank Stadium, Sydney
Wallabies v New Zealand, 7:45pm AEST, Saturday 29 July at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
Wallabies v New Zealand, 2:35pm NZST/12:35pm AEST Saturday 5 August at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
