Sidelined Wallabies prop James Slipper has re-signed with the Australian Rugby Union and the Queensland Reds for the next two years.
Slipper, 22, is currently on the comeback trail from an ankle syndesmosis injury but is seen as an important member of Australia’s forward pack at next month’s Rugby World Cup.
The tight-head prop enjoyed a remarkable rookie season in 2010, making his run-on starting debut for the Reds in their final-round match before going on to play in all 14 Tests of the year.
Slipper continued to be a key player up front for Queensland this season before injuring his ankle in the final regular season match against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
It ruled him out of the Reds’ Super Rugby play-offs success as well as the Tri-Nations Tests.
Despite not playing for two months, Slipper is expected to be a certainty when Wallabies coach Robbie Deans names his 30-man World Cup squad next Thursday.
The 114kg front-rower has earmarked a return for the Australian Barbarians against Canada on the Gold Coast on August 26.
He will compete with Brumbies prop Ben Alexander for the No.3 jersey when the Wallabies start their World Cup campaign against Italy in Auckland on September 11.
Deans said retaining Slipper through to the end of the 2013 season was crucial to Australia’s continued development.
“To achieve all that he did last year, off the (limited) background that he’d had, was a testament to his attitude, his belief and his work ethic,” the coach said.
“That he was able to kick on this season with the Reds, even though he had the misfortune to miss out on the finals, was another great indicator for his future.
“He presumes nothing and is prepared to do whatever it takes.”
Cattledog
Guest
Fair enough, FOS. Of course, I'm willing to eat humble pie if we blitz the next 10 or so games. However, I see lots of comments about Deans but nothing about Williams...and it seems the problems stem from the forwards...
formeropenside
Guest
All I am saying is that Munster - the guys who make up a fair chunk of the Irish forward pack, and won a NH title or two - thought he was a really good forwards coach, and he was appointed at a time when someone with NH experience was thought useful. Although to be honest, I'm not sure what a forwards coach who doesn't run scrums in fact does.
Cattledog
Guest
And Garrick Morgan has the Breakers forwards playing really well too....FOS. Just sometimes, playing for Australia doesn't necessarily mean you can coach. Just the same as a good CEO doesn't translate to a good coach as well... ;)
formeropenside
Guest
Williams did do really well at Munster a while back as a forwards coach.
Cattledog
Guest
Concur!
Cattledog
Guest
My sentiments exactly, Bryce. The resume of Williams doesn't read particularly well. Unfortunately, I think we fall into a deadly trap here as we are all in a politically correct world.
formeropenside
Guest
Interestingly, one of the "big announcements" at the Reds gala dinner is the reveal of the 2012 squad - most of which is already known. Hopefully Digby's retention will be announced then, or at the very least it is thought possible that it can be announced then.
AdamS
Guest
Very good. But where is Digby's John Hancok??
Comrade Bear
Guest
Tops stuff James!
Bryce Court
Guest
Bob Dwyer writes of a missing enthusiasm among the current crop of young Wallabies. Reds Coach McKenzie sent 13 highly motivated enthusiastic 2011 SupeRugby winners to the 2011 Wallaby training camp. What happened to them? Did you see the look on the face of young O'Connor as he walked on to Eden Park Saturday? The All Blacks scored a point a minute for the first 10 minutes. Cooper put the Team in perfect position to score during the following 10 mins, but a lack of cohesion prevented any penetrative result among the forwards particularly. Why do the scribes and TV analysts never put Forward Coach Jim Williams under the spotlight? Is he too nice a guy? Is that why are failing in the fire-in-the-belly enthusiasm? Ewan McKenzie must be wondering as are Bob Dwyer and others. Can go into a world cup without openly professionally examining these questions?