Veteran prop James Slipper couldn’t be feeling better about life, rugby and a Wallabies second coming that he never saw coming.
Physically, Slipper’s finding his third Rugby World Cup more demanding than anything he’s experienced in a decade of Test service.
But that matters little for a man who had written off any chance of making it to Japan after testing positive to cocaine use for a second time in May last year.
Banned for two months, ejected by the Queensland Reds, dealing with family health issues and openly admitting to a battle with depression, rugby at any level seemed far-fetched for a man who had captained his country and the Reds.
It’s why there was no more popular scorer in Saturday’s win over Uruguay, when the 29-year-old bagged a maiden try in his 94th Test.
Teammates raced in from all sides to acknowledge a player who has turned his life around, through the most simple of philosophies.
“I’d say I have found the love for the game again,” Slipper said.
“There were personal things I did with my family and that, I think just becoming a better person helped with my footy. Just seeing life a bit differently, having a better perspective on what matters.”
While seeking help for his issues, Slipper found a new home in Canberra with the Brumbies.
His Super Rugby form this year left Wallabies coach Michael Cheika with no choice but to reinstate the accomplished loosehead after three years away from the international game.
“Last year was a tough year and the year before there were a few things in my life that weren’t going right,” Slipper said.
“A lot of that was external as well, things I can’t control and I went about it in the wrong way.
“I always bring it back, you just have to be a good person.
“Be a good bloke and be open.”
With a new lease on life, there’s nothing to suggest Slipper couldn’t make it to a fourth World Cup. Except, perhaps, for the physical demands.
“This one has been tough, it’s been hard, I am a bit older now,” he said.
“The training leading up took it out of me, but in terms of being here, yeah, I am really happy and I just want to contribute.”
