Veteran prop James Slipper has scrapped his October retirement and rejoined the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Nations Championship. The 37‑year‑old holds 151 Test caps, the third‑most in Australian history, and his return bolsters a loose‑head line that coach Joe Schmidt deemed thin after injuries to Angus Bell. Schmidt joked the decision “cost me a coffee” but praised Slipper’s experience.

Schmidt, set to hand over duties to Les Kiss after July’s fixtures against Ireland, France and Italy, said Slipper provides a “known quantity” leadership the squad lacked last season. Slipper admitted the lure of a home World Cup in 2027 now shapes his plans, insisting he must earn selection by outperforming younger loose‑heads while staying fit with the Brumbies. His fitness regimen with the Brumbies will be closely monitored.

The revised 38‑man roster also features Exeter‑based Tom Hooper and Len Ikitau, uncapped fly‑half Declan Meredith, and veteran Carter Gordon returning from league. Injuries rule out Will Skelton, Jack Gordon and Zac Lomax, while Mark Nawaqanitawase and Angus Crichton remain in limbo. Coach Schmidt expects the veteran’s set‑piece acumen to stabilize scrums against Europe’s powerhouses, to secure a top‑four finish.