‘We’re lucky to have him’: Slipper to break Super Rugby record

Then-ACT Brumbies coach Dan McKellar sat down with Queensland Reds veteran James Slipper at the Canberra Centre food court in 2018, pitching two reasons why the prop should make the move to the capital.

Rugby Australia would later confirm in September that year that Slipper had put pen to paper on a deal with the Brumbies ahead of the 2019 Super Rugby season. It’s a decision that has worked out “pretty well for Slips.”

Slipper will become the all-time leader in Super Rugby appearances on Saturday, set to break the long-standing record held by Wyatt Crockett. Crockett played 202 games for the Crusaders, but Slipper will go one clear when the Brumbies host the Chiefs.

Coach Stephen Larkham didn’t select Slipper in the matchday 23 to face the Fijian Drua last time out in Ba, meaning the 36-year-old prop would instead make Super Rugby history in front of the Brumbies’ home fans at GIO Stadium.

While McKellar’s current side the NSW Waratahs are preparing for their own match against the Blues in Sydney, the coach spoke briefly about the 2018 sit down chat with Slipper before praising the history-maker for another remarkable achievement.

“I had to sell him two things: he’d enjoy Canberra and him and Scott Sio could play in the same team together… as it turns out, it’s worked out pretty well for Slips,” McKellar told reporters in Sydney this week.

“He’s just a good bloke. Loved being in his company. What I’ve seen him put his body through over the years and front up week on week on week on week, my respect and admiration for him is through the roof.

“Really pleased. Wyatt’s held that record for a long time and hopefully Slips does the same. He’s not only playing his 203^rd Super Rugby game, he’s played over 150 Test matches but he continues to play very, very well.

“It seems like every week there’s a James Slipper milestone and I sent him that message but it’s nice for him to get the recognition that he probably doesn’t love but he certainly deserves.”

McKellar served as an assistant under Larkham at the Brumbies before taking over as the head coach ahead of the 2018 season. Years later, McKellar left Australia’s shores to take up a deal with Leicester Tigers in England, opening the door for Larkham’s return.

While McKellar helped the Brumbies secure a Super Rugby AU title, Larkham has helped the team remain consistent as a Super Rugby Pacific powerhouse. The Brumbies beat the Crusaders in Christchurch and the Blues in Canberra earlier this season, before losing their next two.

Larkham has named Slipper in the starting side to face the Chiefs on Saturday, set to pack down alongside Billy Pollard and Darcy Breen. This is the latest in a series of milestones for the Super Rugby veteran, with Larkham joking, “It just keeps going with Slips.”

“A special achievement for anyone to get to 100, to get to 150, to get to 200 and now to have the record in Super Rugby,” Larkham said.

“He’s a pretty special human, offers a lot to the Brumbies, both on the field, off the field. One of the best leaders that you will find in the game and we’re lucky to have him and it’ll be a very special moment.”