Wallabies prop James Slipper has his sights on a fourth World Cup after signing with the Brumbies and Rugby Australia until the end of 2023.
Australia’s most capped prop – with 114 appearances – was captain in the final Test of 2021 against Wales when Michael Hooper was sidelined with injury.
Slipper’s durability and versatility has been prized by his Wallabies coaches.
He joined the Brumbies at the end of 2018 after nine seasons at the Queensland Reds, where he won a Super Rugby title in 2011.
“I’m really happy to have re-signed with Rugby Australia and the Brumbies until the end of next year,” Slipper said in a statement.
“I have a strong desire to be part of a successful 2023 World Cup campaign with the Wallabies and I believe playing my Rugby here in Australia will give me the best chance to do that.
“I’d like to thank the Brumbies for giving me that opportunity and I’m excited to pull on the jersey again in the new Super Rugby Pacific competition.”
Wallabies coach, Dave Rennie said: “James is a top man and massively respected member of our mob and we’re thrilled he’s re-committed to Australian Rugby.”
James Slipper in action against France. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)
“There’s no doubt he’s one of the leading props in World Rugby with his rare ability to start a Test match on both sides of the scrum.
“Despite playing more than 100 Tests and nearly 150 Super Rugby games, he’s constantly looking to improve and he’s a got a real hunger to be successful and create a path for others to follow.”
Brumbies coach Dan McKellar added: “We’re pleased to have Slips stay on with us for another year.”
“His leadership and presence in the group has been evident since his first day at HQ.
“Slips is an incredibly tough and resilient player and person, and he’ll continue to play a big role for the Brumbies in the next couple of seasons.”
Slipper is suddenly in a race with Wallabies captain Michael Hooper to become Australia’s most-capped player after his selfless call to remain with the Brumbies rather than chase a lucrative overseas deal.
“That’s the great thing about Slips. There’s a lot of men who want to ply their trade overseas but he loves it at the Brumbies, loves it with the Wallabies and the chance to stay on Australian soil,” said Rennie.
“So it was a pretty easy conversation and we were pretty quick to commit to it as well.”
Still only 32 and already with 114 Tests under his belt, Slipper is within sight of George Gregan’s record 139 caps.
Playing tighthead and loosehead, Slipper made 14 appearances for Australia in 2021 and could conceivably add another 15 caps this year if the Wallabies’ spring tour features five matches.
And should he retain his form and remain injury-free, there’s nothing stopping Slipper from catching Gregan at the 2023 World Cup in France.
“Certainly with his versatility, his potential of going to (a fourth) World Cup would be massive,” Rennie said.
“Then his work ethic: he’s big defensively, he’s got a bit of a mean streak in him around cleanout, so he’s been huge.”
He trails Hooper by four Test caps but doesn’t sit too far behind the champion flanker in the leadership stakes.
“He’s had a big leadership role with our guys. He’s a real doer but he speaks well (too). When he speaks, it’s really succinct. He nails it,” Rennie said.
“He’s respected, the guys listen and he’s been a massive contributor the last couple of years.”
Slipper has been part of three Wallabies Rugby World Cup squads (2011, 2015 and 2019) and has the unique ability to play on both sides of the scrum, making him a highly valued member of any team he plays in.
Coker
Roar Rookie
I can only assume you've never actually watched Bell play. While it's true that, at 21, scrummaging isn't his strongest suit, that's largely because the rest of his game is so good. And that's what can't be taught.
Coker
Roar Rookie
The Tahs had lots of problems last year. Their front row, and Bell especially, was not one of them.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
I’m not sure I’d want to see ‘recollections’ from Buddha's original stomach, let alone the other one.
Allan Eskdale
Roar Rookie
:laughing: he won't even have to feed the horse. I think he is a great player, but my thoughts on his contract are along the lines of the second paragraph. The staggering part was the last paragraph. What an epic fail for professional rugby administration in Australia.
Wigeye
Guest
slipps captain while hooper shares 7
wigeye
Guest
Wallabys will be fine Beale and skeleton are being head-hunted as we speak while youth rawness keenest are headed the other way. So the topics spoken last few years the the ways are not being addressed why are the same mistakes reoccurring. Makes ya wonder the old boy Mafia still in the shadows. Need qc, hooper needs share starting first test ,ditch the hasbeens for up and commers reward them, Lost the direction and focus after doing so well last year, suits and ties mistakes. Wheels fell off
Markus
Roar Rookie
True, but in modern rugby it is also a massive liability having a passenger on the field who can't back up to secure ruck ball or make their tackles. Fotuaika for example is a very good scrummager but has issues with his fitness and work rate, and was targeted by the NZ teams in defence during the SRTT comp.
Geoff
Guest
That is where Australia get it so wrong. You have to be a good scrummager first, all the rest can be taught. If you cant scrummage in test rugby you are a massive liability. Bell is definitely not test standard at scrummaging.It's Matt Drop Goal Dunning ,Al i eat grass Baxter ,Bill Young and Ben Alexander all over again with Bell getting a Wallaby jumper.
Geoff
Guest
Is that true? My bar is low? Reds Feao is a liability? .A line has been drawn through his name has it? The same LHP THP whose team he played in won the comp? The LHP who was the form LHP in 2021? Laughable. So why did those magnificent tahs lose every game they played? Their props with magnificent core skills were so good. So why did they not win a game in this modern game with these extraordinary skills you speak of. Looking at you Angus Bell.
Bobby
Roar Rookie
Allan, I won't being critical of Hooper. Gift horse and all that.
Allan Eskdale
Roar Rookie
Hooper did not have plans to go overseas. What do you do when you are offered that sort of contract? Tell the person offering it that they are a clown for creating this situation, and it is a really dumb idea anyway? I can't recall Cheika's situation, while they prematurely extended, I doubt if the WR Coach of the Year in 2015 would not have got a new 4 year contract. One instance of RA getting it right, maybe? The big problem is the lack of development plan for coaches. Eddie just rode along on Macqueen's coat tails, Connolly was a safe pair of hands at the end of his career to take us to 2007, no Australian coach available in 2008, one available in 2013, one available in 2014, none available in 2019.
Allan Eskdale
Roar Rookie
You know you want to Ken. All paths are leading to a Roar Rugby Reincarnation. I look forward to front row recollections from Buddha's Other Stomach.
Mo
Guest
I had drinks with an English guy who played jleague for good but not life changing coin. Lost his pace in early 30s by then had a local family. Said he was getting tired of teaching English. But to blow in and out would be awesome
jeznez
Roar Guru
:laughing:
Mo
Guest
Hoopers deal is so far so good. Missed the welsh test but he’s playing superbly well. Lots of games as good as ever
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Jez, I’ve just noticed that I’ve been happily posting on a front rower thread. As if I’ve got a clue? Like getting caught in a ruck while your opposite number comb-carrier is unmarked. And no one here has asked for my licence. I’m embarrassed. I’ll just see myself out.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Like you I was also thinking of a prop doing a 50 minute stint as a finisher. Given the replacement attowance - it might be a tactic?
Paul D
Roar Rookie
Even if by some miracle he is not in the two best LH’s come next year. You’d be hard pressed to find a better 5th prop option for a RWC squad anywhere.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Whoa there PS. You asked for a tier one list of older props so that’s what you got. He struggles compared to that list but then he doesn’t need to be on that list to make the Wallabies. He’s only got to be in the best two LH’s in Australia. Very different yardstick.
jeznez
Roar Guru
Donuts unfortunately Other Leg. The mind is willing but they aren’t interested!