The World Cup Centurions: Australia

The 2023 Rugby World Cup is only a few days away. South Africa will look to become the second team to defend their title since New Zealand back to back titles in 2011 and 2015.

There is plenty of young talent going into this years edition, hungry talent looking to prove themselves and create their own legacies.

However, before the tournament kicks off, we at Ultimate Rugby have decided to honour the veterans of the this years competition who go into the tournament boasting 100 international test rugby appearances.

There are over 90 current and former players who make up this elite club, originating from 14 different countries, with eight of those conutries being represented in this world cup. 

There will be 19 centurions heading to the world cup this year, and first on the list is Australia's very own James Slipper. 

The Wallaby prop celebrated his 100th test cap in the second game of the 2020 Tri-Nations (shortened verison of the Rugby Championsip due to the Covid-19 pandemic) against New Zealand.

Slipper was born and raised on the Gold Coast, Queensland.[5] He first played junior rugby for the Bond Pirates in the local Gold Coast competition, before dedicating his weekends to playing for The Southport School (TSS) in the prestigious GPS schools competition.

In February 2010, Slipper made his Super Rugby debut against the New South Wales Waratahs at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane.

In 2019, the ACT Super Rugby team, the Brumbies, added James Slipper to their team. He was a very positive addition to a successful season, with the Brumbies finishing on the top of the Australian conference.

Slipper was named in the squad for the Australia A national rugby union team's two matches against England in June 2010.[citation needed]

On 12 June 2010, Slipper made his debut for the Australia national rugby union team against England at Perth. He is the 843rd player in history to represent Australia. He quickly became a regular for the national team, playing in all six of Australia's matches in the 2010 Tri Nations Series. Slipper featured in 13 of the Wallabies 14 Tests during 2010.[citation needed]

Slipper was chosen in Australia's 30-man squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. He played in all of Australia's games during the tournament.[citation needed]

On 5 September 2015, he captained the Wallabies to a 47–10 victory over the United States at Soldier Field in Chicago, as part of their preparations for the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

Although the build up to this years RWC has left much to be desired for Australian fans, the Wallabies will look to claim their first win of 2023 in the pool stages when they kickstart their campagin against Georgia on September 9.

Australia vs. Fiji (17 September)

Australia vs. Wales (24 September)

Australia vs. Portugal (01 October)