Former Reds prop James Slipper to link with Brumbies after horror 2018
FORMER Reds prop James Slipper is set to pack down in the nation’s capital next season despite two positive tests for cocaine this year threatening to end the 86-Test Wallaby’s Super Rugby career.
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JAMES Slipper’s exit from his nine-season run at the Queensland Reds for a fresh career start with the ACT Brumbies may be finalised by the weekend.
Finding a new club became a necessity with the Reds not willing to embrace a Slipper comeback after the former captain’s two positive tests for cocaine this year in out-of-competition tests.
The matter was dealt with in May as a health and welfare issue by Rugby Australia when Slipper’s difficult family circumstances and battle to beat depression were assessed.
He served a two-month period of ineligibility and didn’t play a match for 11 weeks until ushered back by Wallabies coach Michael Cheika in a Super Rugby Selection XV for a trial against the national team in Sydney in early August.
The 86-Test prop will play the sixth game of his upbeat comeback on Sunday in the Queensland Country side against Brisbane City at Wests’ Sci-Fleet Stadium in Brisbane from 3pm.
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The National Rugby Championship has been regular rugby for Slipper at just the right time in a good team culture with a winning side.
Slipper was grateful for Cheika’s call-up to reintroduce him to the team environment that has been his sporting life since his debut for the Reds in 2010.
At 29, he still has plenty to offer as his robust displays for Country have shown with his new 117kg-plus frame.
He played 104 Super Rugby matches for the Reds but his next seems certain to be in Brumbies colours because the Canberra club has been anxious to add an experienced prop since the retirement of stalwart Ben Alexander.
With paperwork involving the Reds, the Brumbies and Rugby Australia, it is just a matter of time before Slipper’s move is finalised.
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Originally published as Former Reds prop James Slipper to link with Brumbies after horror 2018
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