Slipper ends Wallabies retirement to cover injuries ahead of Nations Championship

James Slipper has come out of international retirement to rejoin the Wallabies squad for the opening three Tests of the Nations Championship, with the 37-year-old confirming his availability after injuries to loosehead rivals Black Schoupp and Tom Robertson created a vacancy in Joe Schmidt’s squad.

Slipper retired from international rugby following the second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Perth last year — his 151st appearance for Australia, 12 caps clear of George Gregan’s previous record. Despite stepping away from the Test arena, the veteran prop remained active in Super Rugby with the ACT Brumbies on a one-year deal, where he also surpassed Wyatt Crockett’s all-time Super Rugby appearance record. Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham started Slipper at loosehead in all 14 of his appearances this season, including a try-scoring milestone in a win over the Crusaders.

“I’ve put myself in a position where I feel like I’ve played well enough to still be contributing to the Wallabies,” Slipper told reporters in Sydney. “Even when I retired, I did it with the team in mind.”

Slipper said he has been in regular contact with Schmidt throughout the season, speaking fortnightly before the decision to return was made. He was careful to frame the comeback in limited terms, stressing it covers only the July internationals for now.

“At this stage I can guarantee I’m available for the first three games and then potentially throughout the year if needed,” he said. “It hasn’t really been in the pipeline too long so we’re just crossing that path when we get there.”

A place in Australia’s Rugby World Cup 2027 squad is not guaranteed — and Slipper made clear he is not assuming one. His continued involvement beyond the Nations Championship depends on whether the Brumbies re-sign him and whether Schmidt’s side requires him.

“At no stage am I sitting here thinking I’m going to be a certainty for the World Cup because you’ve got to be playing well, you’ve got to be picked,” he said. “If I’m still playing for the Brumbies and the team needs me, I’ll put my hand up for the World Cup.”

The Wallabies open their Nations Championship campaign against Ireland on July 4 at a sold-out Allianz Stadium in Sydney.