Congratulations to former Student Will Skelton who along with his English club, Saracens won the European Champions Cup on Saturday defeating Irish Giants Leinster 20-10.
Dropped 21kgs in 18 months: Shredded Skelton sacrifices World Cup for Saracens
Wallabies lock Will Skelton admits turning his back on a crack at the Rugby World Cup to re-sign with Saracens was the toughest decision of his career.
The 26-year-old is poised to ink a new two-year deal with the powerhouse English club any day.
This was despite some late efforts at persuasion from Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, who was keen to regain Skelton as an option for an Australian second row that’s struggled for consistency.
The former NSW Waratahs lock, who once tipped the scales at 140kg, has been in outstanding form this season having shed 21kg in 18 months.
Skelton moved to the UK after Cheika lost patience with his lack of fitness and dropped him following the 2016 Spring Tour.
Under the leadership of Saracens coach Mark McCall, Skelton has thrived in a squad brimming with international stars including Maro Itoje, Billy Vunipola, Owen Farrell, Schalk Burger and Liam Williams.
However, with just 18 international appearances to his name, Skelton is a long way short of the 60 required under Rugby Australia’s Giteau’s law — which permits overseas-based players to be selected for the Wallabies.
“He was trying to get me back home and there were some (Super Rugby) offers but it is difficult because I’ve agreed to stay here.
“There’s still a few bits and pieces to nut down but I am close to signing a new deal here.
“It was a massively difficult decision given the World Cup is this year but if the rules change in the future I’ll always put my hand up to play for Australia.”