Wallabies’ international prop James Slipper re-signs with Queensland Reds and Australian Rugby Union
The 2011 Super Rugby Champions, Queensland Reds, have confirmed the extension in contract of their and Wallabies prop, James Slipper, with the club. Officials at the club have confirmed the
signing of the new two-year deal with Slipper in a statement released on their website on Thursday, August 11.
Following the early signing of Ben Robinson, this is the Reds second major re-signing as they move forward with their next seasons’ recruitment drive.
Slipper’s new deal also includes the Australian Rugby Union (ARU), which will allow him to represent the Wallabies for the next two years.
Wallabies’ international prop Slipper has expressed his delight on extending his stay at the Reds. He added, “I’ve enjoyed the experience I’ve had to date, both playing for Queensland and with
the Wallabies, but I really feel that I am only just getting started.”
Slipper expressed his desire that the next two years provide him with an opportunity to continue working hard to improve his skills.
Reds head coach, Ewen McKenzie, has expressed his satisfaction on retaining Slipper in the Reds scrum. He added that following Slipper’s continuous development and hard work, which is visible
through is performance on the field, he has no doubt that Slipper is a “world class prop” in the making.
McKenzie further added, “James is still incredibly young for a prop and will only continue to improve as he gets older.”
The Queensland born Slipper is currently, sidelined due to an ankle injury, which he sustained in the last rounds of the 2011 Super Rugby competition. However, it’s expected that following
his impressive performances in his 14 international appearances so far, he will secure a place in Robbie Deans final 30-man Rugby World Squad.
Commenting on Slipper’s re-signing with the ARU, Deans said, “There's no doubt that keeping James was critical. To achieve all that he did last year, off the [limited] background that he'd
had, was a testament to his attitude, his belief and his work ethic.”
Slipper made his international debut for Wallabies against the touring English side in June 2010. He has made 14 international appearances for the Wallabies to date.
Tags: