Australia and Brumbies front-row James Slipper is optimistic he will remain at the Canberra outfit as he contemplates his future after the upcoming Rugby World Cup. 

Slipper, who is his country’s current skipper, is one of a few senior Wallabies – including scrum-half Nic White and ex-Wallabies captain Michael Hooper – that are yet to sign new contracts beyond 2023 with Rugby Australia.

Revival at the Brumbies

The 33-year-old has revived his career at the Brumbies since joining them from the Reds in 2019 and is keen to continue playing for head coach Stephen Larkham at Super Rugby Pacific level.

“I’ve always said I’d like to stay,” Slipper told reporters. “It’s something that has been working along behind the scenes but I’ve always loved my time in Canberra and Australian rugby.

“I feel like I have a couple of good years left in me so we’ll see what happens.”

Slipper took over the Wallabies captaincy when Hooper withdrew due to mental health problems shortly before the team’s Rugby Championship opener against Argentina last year.

The loosehead prop is unsure whether he will continue in the leadership role now that Eddie Jones has replaced Dave Rennie as Australia’s head coach.

Jones revealed earlier this month that he is considering naming several Wallabies captains for the World Cup due to the impact of concussions on the game.

Slipper was one of three Wallabies skippers during 2022 alongside Hooper and Brumbies captain Allan Alaalatoa.

“Eddie made it clear he’s going to pick the right man for the job so whoever that is, we’ll get behind him,” said Slipper. “It’s not a thing I’m striving to be, it’s just about whoever is (the) right man for the job.”

Slipper is still focused on the Brumbies as they are targeting Super Rugby Pacific glory. They currently occupy second position the table despite suffering a defeat against the Hurricanes last weekend.

The Brumbies return to action against the Rebels in Melbourne this week and they still have to face the table-topping Chiefs in Canberra in Round 14 – a match they will be keen to win as they bid to secure second position in the standings ahead of the play-offs.

Disappointing result

“It was tough. The result was disappointing but we’ve got a long turnaround and learnt a lot from the game,” Slipper said on their loss to the Hurricanes.

“We’re happy to be back in Canberra and gearing up for a big game this weekend. We thought it was a good fight by the boys to hang in there until the end.

“The result was obviously disappointing but to come away with something, that’s a positive. but we’re overall disappointed.

“We’re going to work hard this week and try and get better.”

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The article James Slipper: Wallabies front-row would ‘like to stay’ at the Brumbies appeared first on Planetrugby.com.