Record Super Rugby cap holder James Slipper re-signs with Brumbies for 2027 season

James Slipper, the most-capped player in Super Rugby history and Australia’s all-time Test appearance leader with 154 caps, has signed on with the ACT Brumbies for the 2027 season. The 36-year-old prop confirmed his return after a standout 2026 campaign in which he started all 14 matches for the Brumbies.

Slipper surpassed former Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett’s long-standing Super Rugby appearance record during the season, having also reached the milestone of his 200th competition game — marked by a try against the Crusaders in Christchurch as the Brumbies shocked the 2025 champions on their home ground.

The front-rower had initially announced his retirement from Wallabies duty following the second Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks last October, but was recalled to the national setup by then-coach Joe Schmidt for the Nations Championship matches in July, rewarded for a season in which he played just shy of 700 minutes, made 112 tackles, and ran for 85 metres.

“I still love coming in every day and competing with this group,” 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.”

Slipper, who debuted in Super Rugby for the Queensland Reds in 2010 and joined the Brumbies ahead of the 2019 season, has not ruled out adding to his Wallabies tally, but said his immediate focus is on the Brumbies’ upcoming campaign.

Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham praised Slipper’s continued impact both on and off the field. “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,” Larkham said. “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.”