Wallabies veteran set to break Super Rugby appearance record after signing contract with new club.

Veteran Wallabies and Brumbies front-row James Slipper is set to become the most-capped Super Rugby player after signing a one-year contract extension with the Canberra-based club.

The 35-year-old has played in 195 Super Rugby matches during his career so far and is just seven appearances shy of the record set by fellow prop Wyatt Crockett, who represented the Crusaders from 2006 to 2008.

Slipper has made 91 appearances for the Brumbies since joining them in 2019 and prior to that he played in 104 matches for the Reds from 2010 to 2018.

His new contract means he is also in line to set a unique record in Super Rugby history as he will become the first player in the tournament’s history to make 100 appearances for two separate clubs if he hits the century mark with the Brumbies.

Slipper couldn’t hide his delight after putting pen to paper on his new Brumbies deal.

“When there was an option on the table of playing another season for the Brumbies, I couldn’t say no,” he said. “I’m extremely grateful to the club for providing me with the opportunity back in 2018 and I want to continue to repay the faith that’s been shown in me.

“I love representing this club

and being a part of this group. It’s an incredible place to play footy and I enjoy living in Canberra.

“My body is still good and I feel the fittest that I have done in a long time. I feel like I am still playing at a high level and contributing to the team. As long as I can do that, I will keep giving my all for the Brumbies.”

Slipper made his Super Rugby debut for the Reds in Round One of the 2010 tournament against the Waratahs in Brisbane and later that same year he made his Test bow for the Wallabies against England in Perth at the age of just 21.

The next year, he played a leading role for the Reds during their victorious Super Rugby campaign, before going on to win the club’s Player of the Year award in 2013 and 2014.

Equally at home at either tighthead or loosehead prop, Slipper also helped the Brumbies win the Super Rugby AU title in 2020 with a 28-23 win against his former club in the final.

Slipper’s longevity as a rugby player has seen him breaking several appearance records in recent years.

Last year, he became the most-capped Australian in Super Rugby dring a derby against the Waratahs in April, surpassing former Brumbies hooker Stephen Moore, and he became the most-capped Wallaby in September in the Bledisloe Cup against the All Blacks in Sydney, moving ahead of legendary scrum-half George Gregan.

He has been ever-present for the Brumbies during the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific campaign, starting in 11 of his 12 appearances, as the side from the nation’s capital sit in third place on the ladder.

He is also in line to become only the second Wallaby in the modern era to face the British & Irish Lions twice at Test level in July, following in the footsteps of another Brumbies legend in flanker George Smith.

Brumbies head coach Stephen Larkham is thrilled that Slipper is extending his stay at the club for another season.

“Slipps is the ultimate professional, with an incredible work ethic. He is a world-class player who continues to deliver for us season after season,” he said.

He has taken his form to another level this campaign, he has been outstanding. His set-piece, defence, carrying and leadership have proved important for the team.

“The experience he brings to the forward pack cannot be understated, mentoring young players in the group who regularly ask for his advice.

“We’re delighted that he has decided to prolong his career in Canberra with the Brumbies.”