Wallaby Slipper says players need to lead Australian game out of doldrums

File Photo: Australia v Wales - IRB Rugby World Cup 2015 Pool A - Twickenham Stadium, London, England - 10/10/15, Australia's James Slipper celebrates after the game. Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Couldridge

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Wallabies prop James Slipper has called on players to lead Australian rugby out of the doldrums with better performances, starting with the domestic "Super Rugby AU" tournament next week.

The local game has been under pressure for years with financial constraints and the declining competitiveness of the now seventh-ranked Wallabies, but the novel coronavirus shutdown has only exacerbated the problems.