Australia’s most-capped rugby player, James Slipper, is set to retire from international rugby after the final Rugby Championship match against New Zealand this Saturday. This marks the end of an impressive 16-year career for the 36-year-old prop. Slipper celebrated a significant milestone last week, earning his 150th cap during a match against the All Blacks in Auckland, joining the ranks of rugby legends such as Wales’ Alun Wyn Jones and New Zealand’s Sam Whitelock.
Slipper’s journey with the Wallabies comes full circle as he plans to conclude his international career in Perth, the city where he first donned the Australian jersey as a 21-year-old in 2010. Reflecting on his career, Slipper expressed immense pride in representing the Wallabies, a dream he nurtured since his childhood on the Gold Coast. “Representing the Wallabies has been the single proudest achievement of my rugby career and a privilege I have never taken for granted,” he shared.
Acknowledging the new wave of talent emerging in Australian rugby, Slipper believes this is the right moment to step back from test rugby. With the home Rugby World Cup in 2027 on the horizon, he sees it as a crucial opportunity for the younger players to gain experience.
During his career, Slipper made history as the most-capped test prop of all time and became just the fifth Wallaby to play in two British & Irish Lions series. Additionally, he joined the ranks of George Gregan and Adam Ashley-Cooper as one of only three Australians to have competed in four World Cups. His resilience and leadership were integral to the Wallabies, where he captained Australia 15 times since first stepping into the role in 2015.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt praised Slipper as a “great person” and “the ultimate team man,” recognizing his profound impact on the team and his numerous achievements in rugby. Despite facing challenges, including a two-month suspension in 2018, Slipper managed to revitalize his career with the ACT Brumbies and regain his place in the national squad.
As the Wallabies prepare for their final test against New Zealand, the match stands as a dead rubber for the Bledisloe Cup but remains significant in the Rugby Championship. Australia could clinch the title with a victory over the All Blacks, provided Argentina defeats South Africa at Twickenham.
Slipper’s retirement follows other high-profile exits in Australian rugby, such as Michael Hooper, highlighting a transitional period for the Wallabies as they prepare the next generation for future challenges. The career of James Slipper embodies dedication and resilience, and while his international career may be closing, his legacy in Australian rugby is assured, paving the way for the heroes of tomorrow.