Slipper spreads the love as he hits 140 caps

JAMES Slipper has become the most-capped player in Australian rugby history.

Loosehead Slipper made his debut against England in Perth back in 2010 and has overtaken George Gregan by winning his 140th cap as a replacement in yesterday’s closely fought defeat.

He said: “Firstly I want to thank the New Zealand players for hanging around. That was a great Test match. I want to thank our boys for sticking in there and turning it into a real Test match.

“Individually I never set out to win the most caps for Australia. I just wanted to be a rugby player who did his best for any team he was in. I am privileged to say I am a Wallaby and that is something I will live with for the rest of my life. Although I do not look like a player I try really hard to be one!

“I have so many people to thank; coaches, players… I want to say a huge thank you to my family; my wife and two girls, my cousin and two brothers, and my mum and dad. The sacrifices they have gone through for me to be in this position is something I will never be able to give back, but I am very thankful. I love you.”