ACT Brumbies veteran James Slipper is on the verge of making history, poised to break the Super Rugby record for most games played when he runs out for his 203rd match against the Chiefs at Canberra Stadium on Friday night. The milestone will see him surpass former All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett, adding yet another achievement to a remarkable career.
Slipper, already the third most‑capped player in international rugby with 151 Wallabies appearances, admitted even he is surprised by how long he has lasted at the top level. The 36‑year‑old said the moment to reflect will come later, when he eventually steps away from the game and spends more time with his two daughters.
“That will be extremely satisfying something I’ll be able to share with those girls and show them that I could actually play rugby at some stage of my life,” he said with a smile.
Despite retiring from international rugby at the end of 2025, Slipper hinted he is far from finished at club level, revealing he is open to playing for the Brumbies in 2027.
“In the background I’ve thought about it. Physically, I think I can keep going,” he said. “I’m not sure about the conversations… nor do I expect them to be happening at this stage of the season. There are probably a fair few other players they need to secure before they start securing a 37‑year‑old.”
Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham believes Slipper still has plenty to offer.
“He’s enjoying his rugby, and the most important things at the back end of your career are: one, are you performing? And two, are you still enjoying it? And I think both of those boxes are being ticked,” Larkham said.
As Slipper prepares to etch his name into Super Rugby history, the veteran prop shows no signs of slowing down and the Brumbies may not be ready to let him go anytime soon.
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