Slipper will join the Brumbies for the 2019 and 2020 seasons, with the move expected to be finalised on Friday.

It's a massive boost to the Brumbies' front-row stocks, especially after the retirement of games record holder Ben Alexander. But more importantly, it's a chance for Slipper to restart after he tested positive to cocaine this year.

The deal to link with the Brumbies is expected to see the Reds continuing paying part of Slipper's contract after reaching an agreement for him to the leave the club he has played 105 games for.

Slipper was ostracised by the Queensland Reds when he twice tested positive to cocaine. The 86-Test veteran was suspended for two months and fined $27,500 for breaching the illicit drugs policy.

Reds coach Brad Thorn has taken a tough stance on player behaviour and club culture, leading to Slipper, Quade Cooper and Karmichael Hunt being on the outer of his squad.

But Rugby Australia is keen for Slipper to play again, paving the way for the Brumbies and the Melbourne Rebels to table contracts to help him restart his career.

The Rebels withdrew from the contract race and Slipper will join the Brumbies to form a loosehead prop tag-team combination with Wallaby Scott Sio.

The Brumbies are understood to be confident Slipper will fit into their squad and meet the player behaviour standards. Slipper opened up about his battle with depression two months ago following the death of a family member and his mother's second cancer diagnosis.

"At the time, I didn't see a healthy ending there for a bit. I'm not all fixed, as they say. But I'm working hard and seeing the professionals," Slipper said.

"I'm as happy as I've been in a long while, so that's probably a positive thing ... Unfortunately, in our world, everyone's pretty good at hiding things, everyone's pretty good at putting up a front.

"I was pretty good at that. But it's really up to the person to make the first move. Unless people pick up on it, that's probably my advice - go to someone who's close to you and speak up."

Slipper is a former Wallabies and Reds captain and will feature in Australia's plans for the World Cup next year if he regains form when he restarts his Super Rugby career.