James Slipper to Retire from International Rugby After 16 Years

Slipper to end Wallabies career in perth against New Zealand

James Slipper, Australia's most-capped test player, will retire from international rugby after Saturday's game against New Zealand. Read more about his record-breaking career.

“It feels like the right time for me to step away from test rugby. There’s a number of good young props coming...”

Australia's most-capped test player, James Slipper, will hang up his boots after Saturday's Rugby Championship finale against New Zealand in Perth. This marks the end of an incredible 16-year career, with Slipper becoming the third player in test rugby history to reach 150 caps.

Record-Breaking Career Highlights

Slipper's achievements include:

150 Test Caps: Achieved in the 33-24 defeat against the All Blacks in Auckland, placing him alongside Alun Wyn Jones (171) and Sam Whitelock (153) as one of the most capped players in test rugby history.

Four World Cups: Participating in the 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 tournaments, making him one of only three Australians to achieve this feat.

Leadership Roles: Slipper has captained the Wallabies 15 times since his first captaincy in 2015, showcasing his leadership skills and experience.

British & Irish Lions Series: He became the fifth Wallaby to play in two separate series against the British & Irish Lions.

One more time in Green and Gold 🦘

James Slipper will retire from international rugby after Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup clash against New Zealand.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/9WsDWIZqBr

— Wallabies (@wallabies) October 1, 2025

Slipper expressed his gratitude and pride in representing the Wallabies, stating, “Representing the Wallabies has been the single proudest achievement of my rugby career and a privilege I have never taken for granted.” He emphasized that it's the right time for him to step away from test rugby, allowing him to spend more quality time with his family and paving the way for younger players.

“As a young kid on the Gold Coast playing backyard footy with my brothers, it was a dream to pull on the gold jersey, and to be able to say I’ve lived my dream for what’s coming on 16 years is more than I could ever have asked for, he said in a Rugby Australia statement on Wednesday.

“It feels like the right time for me to step away from test rugby. There’s a number of good young props coming through who will need time in the saddle leading into what's going to be an unbelievable experience of a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.”