Slipper to Return from International Retirement for Wallabies July Tests Amid Front-Row Injury Crisis
Veteran prop James Slipper, 36, is set to come out of international retirement to join the Wallabies for three Nations Championship Tests in July following injuries to teammates Blake Schoupp and others in the front-row ranks. Slipper retired from international rugby in September 2025 after becoming the most-capped Wallaby with 151 Tests, but has continued playing strongly for the Brumbies in Super Rugby Pacific. His return addresses a critical shortage of available props as multiple candidates deal with injuries and rehabilitation.
James Slipper, the most-capped Wallaby with 151 Tests, is set to return from international retirement to bolster Australia's front-row for three Nations Championship Tests in July against Ireland, France, and Italy. The 36-year-old veteran, who retired from Test rugby in September 2025, has been included in a train-on squad following a cascade of injuries affecting the prop position, including a foot injury to Blake Schoupp sustained in the Brumbies' recent qualifying loss. Multiple other loosehead prop candidates are managing injuries or rehabilitation, including Angus Bell (ankle), Tom Robertson (calf), Tom Lambert (knee), and Aidan Ross (toe). Slipper has continued performing well for the Brumbies in Super Rugby Pacific, breaking the record for most Super Rugby games with 202 appearances. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has turned to Slipper as an experienced Test prop to address the shortage, though whether Slipper will continue beyond the July series remains uncertain. The decision also opens the possibility for Slipper to play in a record fifth Rugby World Cup in Australia next year if he extends his contract beyond 2026.
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- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
Slipper to make Wallabies comeback amid front-row injury crisis
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