Rugby Veteran James Slipper Breaks Super Rugby Record at 37

At 37 years old, James Slipper is about to achieve something no rugby player has done before, and he's not ready to stop yet.

The ACT Brumbies prop will play his 203rd Super Rugby game Friday night at Canberra Stadium, breaking the record held by former All Blacks prop Wyatt Crockett. It's another milestone in a career that already includes 151 games for the Wallabies, making him the third most capped international player in rugby history.

"I probably didn't see myself sticking around in rugby this long," Slipper admitted. But the Brumbies organization has kept him performing at his peak, year after year.

Even more surprising? He wants to keep going.

Slipper retired from international rugby in 2025 but has his eyes set on the 2027 season with the Brumbies. "Physically I think I can keep going," he said, though he joked the team probably has younger players to sign first before committing to a 37-year-old.

His coach disagrees. "I think he's good enough," said Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham, pointing to two critical factors: Slipper is still performing at a high level and still loving the game.

Why This Inspires

Slipper's longevity comes from more than just physical fitness. Larkham called him "a pretty special human" who offers leadership both on and off the field.

The veteran's dedication extends beyond his own career. He's thinking about what these achievements will mean to his two young daughters, looking forward to sharing his rugby journey with them when he finally hangs up his boots.

His commitment to the Brumbies reflects a deeper transformation too. When Slipper moved from Queensland to Canberra in 2019, he laughed at then-coach Dan McKellar's promise that Canberra was "a beautiful place to live."

Eight years later, he's completely sold. "To be fair to him, I've fallen in love with Canberra ever since," Slipper said.

The prop and his family now see Canberra as their permanent home, calling it "a great place to bring up a family." What started as a career move became a life decision.

Friday night's record-breaking game represents more than just numbers. It shows what's possible when talent meets the right environment, when organizations invest in bringing out the best in people, and when athletes find joy in their work well beyond typical retirement age.