James Slipper Returns to Wallabies Squad After Reversing Retirement

Veteran Australia prop James Slipper has reversed his retirement from international rugby and is included in the Wallabies squad for the Nations Championship. The 37-year-old, who has won 151 Test caps, the third-highest total in Australian rugby history, initially announced his retirement in October. He received a guard of honour from the All Blacks after what was intended to be his final Test.

Australia coach Joe Schmidt persuaded Slipper to return. "It cost me a coffee," Schmidt said. "There's an old dog... " Schmidt will hand over to Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss after Australia's July matches against Ireland, France and Italy.

Slipper said the prospect of playing in the 2027 home Rugby World Cup is now part of his planning. "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," he said. "I need to earn that.

" "If I'm still playing for the Brumbies, and the team needs me, I'll put my hand up for the World Cup," Slipper added. Exeter duo Tom Hooper and Len Ikitau are included in the squad. Uncapped Declan Meredith is a contender at fly-half, with Tom Lynagh out injured and Tane Edmed out of favour.

Noah Lolesio has been left out after joining a second-tier Japanese side. Australia's selection policy gives preference to home-based players rather than an outright ban on overseas options. Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson are the other fly-halves named.

Second row Will Skelton and scrum-half Jack Gordon are unavailable through injury. Western Force's Zac Lomax is not considered while nursing a calf strain. Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase have not yet completed moves from rugby league to union.