Australia's most-capped player James Slipper will retire from international duty following Saturday's Rugby Championship finale against New Zealand.

During last week's 33-24 defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland, Slipper became the first Australian to represent his country 150 times.

The only other players to accumulate 150 caps in international rugby are Wales icon Alun Wyn Jones (170) and New Zealand's Sam Whitelock (153).

The 36-year-old, who made his debut against England in 2010, has played at four World Cups and became Australia's most-capped player with his 140th appearance in 2024, overtaking George Gregan.

"Representing the Wallabies has been the single proudest achievement of my rugby career and a privilege I have never taken for granted," Slipper said in a statement.

"As a young kid on the Gold Coast playing backyard footy with my brothers, it was a dream to pull on the gold jersey. 

"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."

 

 

 

 

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While the Wallabies have little realistic chance of winning the Rugby Championship, sitting four points behind leaders South Africa ahead of the final matches, they could deny New Zealand the title.

A home victory in Perth would ensure the All Blacks can no longer catch the Springboks, who will retain their title with a win over Argentina even if New Zealand win.