James slips into new role as scrum coach

September 10, 2026
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Ultimate Rugby

James Slipper has spent almost two decades scrummaging at the highest level. Now, he’ll put that experience to work from the Brumbies coaching box.

The recently re-signed Brumbies prop will take on scrum coaching duties during Super Rugby AUS, as he turns his attention to helping develop the next generation of Brumbies forwards.

And with regular scrum coach John Ulugia called up to the Wallabies, there is arguably no better person to step into the breach than the most experienced prop in World Rugby.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve been around a lot of scrums over the years, so hopefully I can pass on a bit of what I’ve learnt and help the boys get better,” Slipper said.

The 36-year-old recently committed to one more season with the Brumbies, extending his playing career through 2027.

But for Super Rugby AUS, Slipper will remain on the sidelines and take on a different role within Stephen Larkham’s coaching group.

Rather than reinventing the wheel, Slipper wants to share the lessons gathered throughout a career that has included 212 Super Rugby appearances, 154 Wallabies Tests and countless hours spent packing down in the front row.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play with and against some really good front-rowers and work with some really good scrum coaches, so I’ve picked up plenty along the way,” he said.

“If I can pass some of that on to the younger guys, then that’s something I’ll really enjoy.”

It is an opportunity Slipper is embracing, while also recognising there is plenty for him to learn as he moves from player to coach.

“There are some really good young guys coming through, and they’re hungry to learn,” he said.

“I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. I’m just trying to give them some things that I’ve learnt over a long career and hopefully help them along the way.”

For Slipper, the role is another way to contribute to a Brumbies environment he has called home since 2019.

And while he may not be packing down himself during Super Rugby AUS, he’ll still be right in the thick of the action when the Brumbies scrum takes centre stage.

This weekend will be Slips’ first chance to see the fruits of his scrum coaching when the Brumbies take on the Waratahs at Bungendore Sports Hub on Sunday, 13 September, kicking off at 2:00pm AEST.

ACT BRUMBIES v NSW WARATAHS