One more year, Slips?
“Yeah, one more mate.”
Just when you think James Slipper might be ready to put his feet up, he tightens the boots, packs another scrum and signs on for... one more year.
The ACT Brumbies are delighted to confirm that the most capped player in Super Rugby history will return for the 2027 season.
Debuting in 2010, Slipper will run out for his 17th year of Super Rugby in 2027. To put that into perspective, when he debuted, South Africa was still in Super Rugby, Stirling Mortlock was captain of the Brumbies, Instagram didn’t exist, and we were all lining up to get our hands on the iPhone 4.
The world looks different now, but somehow, through all of it, Slipper just seems to get better with age.
The 36-year-old has rewritten the record books throughout an extraordinary career. With a record 212 Super Rugby appearances, he stands alone as the competition’s most capped player of all time, while his 154 Test caps for the Wallabies have him sitting atop the Australian record books in gold, second only to one player in international rugby history.
Age, however, seems to have had little effect on the Brumbies front-rower.
Across the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, Slipper played 694 minutes, made 112 tackles, carried for 85 metres and beat five defenders. But perhaps fittingly, one of his most memorable moments came in his 200th appearance, when he crossed for a try to cap a remarkable away win over the Crusaders.
While other teams are looking backwards to bring in greats, the Brumbies have a living legend already in the building — and, thankfully, he’s still looking forwards.
“I still love coming in every day and competing with this group. We’ve built something really special at the Brumbies, and I still get a lot of enjoyment out of being part of it,” Slipper said.
“The body still feels good, I’m enjoying my footy and I feel like I’ve still got plenty to contribute, both on the field and around the group. As long as that’s the case, I’m excited to keep pulling on the Brumbies jersey.
“We’ve got a great coaching staff, a playing group that’s hungry to keep improving and I genuinely believe we’ve got what it takes to compete for championships over the next few years. That’s something I want to be a part of.”
ACT Brumbies Head Coach Stephen Larkham said Slipper’s impact extended far beyond his remarkable longevity.
“Slips is still playing outstanding rugby. He was one of our most consistent performers throughout 2026 and he’s shown he can continue to make a big impact for this team.
“What he brings away from game day is just as important. He’s an exceptional leader, he drives standards every day and the knowledge he passes on to our younger players is invaluable.
“Our players, members and fans love what Slips represents. He’s become synonymous with the Brumbies through his toughness and consistency, and we’re excited they’ll get to see him pull on the jersey for another season.”
Seventeen years in, the records keep growing, the standards haven’t slipped, and the boots aren’t being hung up just yet.
Slipper isn’t quite shutting the door on his international career either, with the front-row stalwart set to continue training with the Brumbies and ensuring he is ready to go if the opportunity arises.
For now, the focus is on 2027 with the Brumbies, where Slipper will pack down once again alongside long-time front-row partner Allan Alaalatoa, while helping lead a new generation of powerful Brumbies props and hookers coming through the ranks.
One more year.
