Wallabies veteran James Slipper has announced he will retire from international rugby following his 151st test, set for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup showdown against New Zealand in Perth.
The 36-year-old prop reached a remarkable milestone just last week, earning his 150th cap in Australia’s 33-24 loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park. Only two other players — Wales’ Alun Wyn Jones (171) and New Zealand’s Sam Whitelock (153) — have achieved 150 international appearances, placing Slipper among an elite group in world rugby.
Slipper’s international journey will conclude where it began: Perth, Western Australia, the site of his debut in 2010 against England at Subiaco Oval. Despite stepping away from test rugby, reports suggest he may continue competing in Super Rugby with the ACT Brumbies.
A Queensland Gold Coast junior, Slipper was named the Wallabies’ 83rd captain in 2015, leading the side 15 times. His World Cup resume is equally impressive — selected for the 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 tournaments, he joins George Gregan and Adam Ashley-Cooper as the only Australians to participate in four Rugby World Cups
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