‘There’s a great buzz around the group’ – Will Skelton

Saracens second-row Will Skelton is determined to “take another step” with his club this year as they prepare to face Glasgow at Allianz Park.

Skelton played for Saracens in 2016 before heading back home to the Waratahs, meaning he had to watch their Champions Cup success in 2017.

And now the Australia international is looking to improve on last season’s quarter-final finish, starting with a big performance at home on Saturday.

“My short stint here at the end of 2016 I basically played European games and it’s probably the highest I’ve played at club level,” he told Saracens’ official website.

“I remember staying up late and watching the boys in the final, having that itch and really wanting them to do well and be a part of it. I was still on the WhatsApp group with the boys and wished them good luck before the game.

“It was cool to watch; the game was like 3am back in Sydney and was an awesome game to watch against Clermont and they did well to win it.

“It wasn’t meant to be last year for us but hopefully we can take another step this year.”

Saracens know that victory over the Warriors would seal a home quarter-final and Skelton admits things are looking up at the Premiership champions.

“There’s a great buzz around the group about this tournament,” he said.

“It’s very enjoyable to play against different opposition and against the best players around Europe.

“Any professional rugby player wants to be playing in the big matches and I see these European pool games as just that; I love playing in them.

“We’re excited for the challenge ahead and looking forward to facing Glasgow this weekend.”