Veteran Australia prop James Slipper has made a surprise U-turn on his retirement from international rugby and will rejoin the Wallabies squad for the upcoming Nations Championship.
The 37-year-old, who has earned 151 Test caps—the third-highest tally in history—had initially announced the end of his Wallabies career in October. However, concerns over the depth behind first-choice loose-head prop Angus Bell prompted coach Joe Schmidt to persuade Slipper to return.
"It cost me a coffee," Schmidt joked, referring to their conversation. "There's an old dog... great to lean on and he's a known quantity and leader in the group, which we lacked a bit during last season after injuries hit."
Slipper acknowledged that the prospect of playing in a home Rugby World Cup in 2027 influenced his decision. "If there's a reason for me to be available for the World Cup then I'll put my hand up, but a couple of things need to happen there. I need to earn that. I need to be playing well, and I've got to be a better option than other loosies in the country at the time... but yeah, if I'm still playing for the Brumbies, and the team needs me, I'll put my hand up for the World Cup," he said.
Schmidt will hand over the coaching reins to Queensland Reds' Les Kiss after July's matches against Ireland, France, and Italy.
The squad also includes Exeter duo Tom Hooper and Len Ikitau, while uncapped Declan Meredith is a contender at fly-half due to injuries to Tom Lynagh and Tane Edmed being out of favour. Noah Lolesio, who was set to face the British and Irish Lions last summer before a neck injury, is omitted after joining a second-tier Japanese side, as Australia prefers home-based players—though there is no outright ban on overseas selections. Carter Gordon, who returned to union from rugby league, and versatile Ben Donaldson are the other fly-halves.
Second row Will Skelton and scrum-half Jack Gordon are out due to injury, and Western Force's Zac Lomax is not considered as he nurses a calf strain. Lomax's fellow code-crossers Angus Crichton and former Wallaby wing Mark Nawaqanitawase have yet to complete their moves to union, which could put them in contention for the 2027 World Cup. Highly-rated teenage backline prospect Treyvon Pritchard has been selected for Australia's under-20 World Championship campaign instead.