The Wallabies will bid farewell to a stalwart of the game in Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks in Perth.
James Slipper will bring the curtain down on a glittering international career when he runs out for the Wallabies for the last time.
The 36-year-old loosehead prop became just the third player in world rugby to reach 150 Test caps in last week’s clash at Eden Park, joining Alyn Wyn Jones and Sam Whitelock in that rare company.
Slipper is also Australia’s all-time appearance record holder and the most-capped prop in history, having played 14 more Tests than Ireland’s Cian Healy.
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A Wallaby since his debut in 2010 at Subiaco Oval, Slipper has featured in four World Cups, started against the British & Irish Lions in two different series, and forged a reputation as one of the most durable and dependable front rowers in the game.
“Representing the Wallabies has been the single proudest achievement of my rugby career and a privilege I have never taken for granted,” Slipper said.
“It feels like the right time for me to step away from Test rugby. There are some exciting young props coming through who need time in the saddle heading into the 2027 World Cup.
“It will also allow me to spend more quality time with my wife Kara and our two daughters Lily and Ava, which is something I owe to them after 16 years of full-time professional rugby.”
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt paid tribute to Slipper’s influence on and off the field.
“First and foremost, Slips is a great person. He’s incredibly popular in the group and is the ultimate team man. His record speaks for itself with the number of milestones he’s achieved at the highest level of the game.”
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Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh echoed those sentiments, describing Slipper as “one of the most durable, dependable and respected players to ever pull on a Test jersey anywhere in the world”.
Saturday’s farewell Test will be a full circle moment for Slipper, who made his Wallaby debut in Perth 15 years ago.
He will continue his professional career with the Brumbies in 2026.
One more time in Green and Gold
James Slipper will retire from international rugby after Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/9WsDWIZqBr
— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 1, 2025
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
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