James Slipper set to become Super Rugby's most capped player ever

James Slipper is expected to play his 203rd game of Super Rugby this weekend when the Brumbies host the Chiefs, a tally that would see the veteran prop surpass Wyatt Crockett to become the all-time leader in Super Rugby appearances.

Already the leader for Wallabies caps and a member of the ultra-exclusive 150 Test cap club, Slipper’s longevity continues to amaze in his 16th professional season.

Debuting for the Reds in 2010, Slipper won the 2012 Super Rugby title with his hometown team before moving to the Brumbies in 2019. The 36-year-old didn’t expect to still be calling Canberra home seven years later, but says he fell in love with the place.

While he sat out the round 5 trip to Fiji last week, in which his side suffered their first-ever defeat to the Drua, the rest week has ensured he would bring up the milestone at home in a heavyweight clash with the Chiefs.

With his familiar humility, Slipper told the Between Two Posts panel on Stan Sport that the record has “never been something that I’ve really strived for”, but by staying in Super Rugby, “it just happened.”

When asked by former teammate Nick Phipps what advice he’d have for his younger self, Slipper grinned as he cast his mind back 16 years.

“Oh, I’d have a fair bit of advice for him,” he laughed. “Look, he was a young bloke just really enjoying his game.

“He loved playing rugby and probably didn’t take it too seriously. Not that you’ve got to take it too seriously, but you’ve got to enjoy what you do, and you’ve got to invest time into your body, and you’ve got to invest time into the game itself. I probably didn’t do that as much as I do now.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

1

Draws

0

Wins

4

Average Points scored

20

35

First try wins

60%

Home team wins

100%

Slipper’s career in the Test arena has featured podium finishes at Rugby World Cups in 2011 and 2015, as well as Rugby Championship and Tri-Nations titles.

When asked for favourite moments from his time in Super Rugby, ‘Slips’ highlighted some achievements that have bookended his time in the competition.

“There are plenty of moments, plenty of matches that really stand out; going all the way back to the Reds’ championship in 2011. And then in recent times, even the win in Christchurch at the start of this year, and last year winning over at Eden Park, for the Brumbies, was really special.

“So, I’d probably say the 2011 premiership and then a couple of big results, ending hoodoos, for us here at the Brumbies have been really great.”

While he’s enterring unchartered territory, Slipper might still describe himself as 36 years young, and isn’t ruling out a 17th season in Super Rugby just yet.

“It’s funny, because my body actually does feel good. It probably doesn’t look good, but I’m enjoying the game. I enjoy playing for the Brumbies, and I’m enjoying the fact that I can still go out there and be competitive.

“I’ve always said, if I can contribute, I’ll always put my hand up. So we’ll see what happens next year. I haven’t really looked too far ahead, to be fair, just trying to get through these games coming up, and then we’ll look at that a bit later on. There’s a chance.”

With such an extensive and accomplished career to date, Slipper wanted to express gratitude for the countless people who have been involved in his journey.

“There are a ton of people who have contributed. Obviously, the family, I’ve got two young girls and a wife, and they’re very supportive of what I do, and the time I spend in the club is always time taken away from them. So they’re always my number one supporters.

“Mum and dad, my two brothers also. They’ve been there throughout the whole way, through the ups, through the downs, the bad times, the good times.

“I’ve been around that long, and I’ve had a fair few coaches, and they’ve all added to my career, to my story. They’ve all taught me different things along the way. So, those coaches and they know who they are, they’ve all had a serious impact on me, on my rugby and me as a person.

“So there are plenty of people to thank for where I am today. But I’ll be thanking them personally.”