Safeguard Global ACT Brumbies prop James Slipper has signed a new one-year deal with the club that could see him become the most-capped Super Rugby player in the competition’s history in 2026.
Slipper, 35, currently has 195 Smartech Super Rugby Pacific caps to his name, leaving him seven appearances shy of fellow prop Wyatt Crockett, who played for the Crusaders from 2006-2018.
The Gold Coast-born veteran was pleased to put pen to paper on a new contract that will keep him in the nation’s capital for an eighth season and put him within reach of Crockett’s record.
“When there was an option on the table of playing another season for the Brumbies, I couldn’t say no,” Slipper said.
“I’m extremely grateful to the club for providing me with the opportunity back in 2018 and I want to continue to repay the faith that’s been shown in me.
“I love representing this club and being a part of this group. It’s an incredible place to play footy and I enjoy living in Canberra.
“My body is still good and I feel the fittest that I have done in a long time. I feel like I am still playing at a high level and contributing to the team. As long as I can do that, I will keep giving my all for the Brumbies.”
Slipper was scouted by the Reds early on in his rugby career in Queensland. He was fast-tracked to make his Super Rugby debut in Round 1 of the 2010 competition against the Waratahs.
That same year, the Wallabies handed him his Test debut against England in Perth at the age of just 21. The following year, he proved a vital component of the Reds winning a Premiership, before going on to win the club’s Player of the Year award in 2013 and 2014.
The prop, who can play at either tighthead or loosehead, played 104 times for the Reds in Super Rugby before moving to the Brumbies in 2018. He was part of the Canberran side that won the Super Rugby AU title in 2020 with a 28-23 win against his old club in the final.
More recently, the record-breaking milestones have continued to flow as Slipper’s incredible longevity has come to the fore. In 2024, he became the most-capped Australian in Super Rugby against the Waratahs in April, surpassing former Brumbies hooker Stephen Moore, before becoming the most-capped Wallaby in September in the Bledisloe Cup against the All Blacks in Sydney, eclipsing fellow Brumby legend George Gregan.
Slipper has been in sensational form for the Brumbies so far this season, starting in 11 of his 12 appearances, as the side from the nation’s capital sit in third place on the ladder.
He could also become the second Wallaby in the modern era to play the Lions twice in a Test match in July, following in the footsteps of another Brumby in flanker George Smith.
Head coach Stephen Larkham was thrilled to retain the services of Slipper for another season.
“Slipps is the ultimate professional, with an incredible work ethic. He is a world-class player who continues to deliver for us season after season,” Larkham said.
“He has taken his form to another level this campaign, he has been outstanding. His set-piece, defence, carrying and leadership have proved important for the team.
“The experience he brings to the forward pack cannot be understated, mentoring young players in the group who regularly ask for his advice.
“We’re delighted that he has decided to prolong his career in Canberra with the Brumbies.”
