Share

Will Skelton set for Wallabies World Cup role

Cape Town - Saracens are set to be without one of their key figures during the Rugby World Cup - and possibly beyond - with director of rugby Mark McCall admitting that second-row Will Skelton could be called up by the Wallabies.

WATCH: Wallabies unveil 2019 RWC jerseys

Current rules laid out by Rugby Australia means that the lock is not eligible for the national team, but will be should he sign a contract with a Super Rugby franchise.

Exeter Chiefs recently announced that scrumhalf Nic White will depart the club, a player who was in a similar situation to Skelton, and the Saracens forward may well follow suit.

Earlier in May, it was reported that the second-rower had turned his back on the national team and was set to re-commit to the Londoners, but McCall has now suggested that Skelton could leave.

"Will has spoken to me about it," Saracens' director of rugby told Press Association. "He is keen to play in the World Cup, but he is also keen to play for Saracens, which is quite complex.

"There hasn't been much contact from Australia but I think there will be and we want our players to play in the World Cup.

"For that to happen he probably has to sign longer term there, which is not what we want but if that is what Will decides, that is what he decides.

"Nic White has some arrangement. We haven't been approached yet, but you'd imagine that might suggest something like that."

Skelton's form has seen England second-row Maro Itoje move onto the blindside, with George Kruis partnering the Australian in the engine room.

The 18-times capped Wallaby has shed three stone since joining Saracens, which has helped him become a force in the Premiership and Champions Cup, and Itoje praised the 27-year-old's impact over the past few months.

"When I see him play and I see him carrying and I see him hit people, I am happy he is on my side rather than the opposition," he said.

"I've played against him before and that was when he wasn't in this type of shape. Even then he was a big deal to deal with. Now he has had a huge impact on the whole squad.

"He is in great form, he is truly in great form. But if he is playing for the Wallabies, unfortunately, he will have to get chopped down like the rest of them."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1272 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE