Overview
- The Roar reports Skelton will fly back this week to rejoin La Rochelle, ruling him out for the remainder of the Rugby Championship, with Bordeaux next on the Top 14 schedule.
- Rugby Australia, according to The Age, confirmed he will miss the two Tests against Argentina, and a Bledisloe Cup return next month has been discussed but remains unconfirmed.
- Ronan O’Gara moved to secure his lock’s availability after La Rochelle missed the Top 14 playoffs ahead of the league’s September 6 kickoff.
- Coach Joe Schmidt will turn to options such as Lukhan Salakaia-Loto to partner Nick Frost or Jeremy Williams, while keeping Skelton in the 2027 World Cup conversation.
- Skelton’s recent stint strengthened Australia’s set piece and was credited with aiding the drought-breaking win at Ellis Park over the Springboks.