Wallabies making late push to include Will Skelton?
Australia head coach Michael Cheika hasn’t ruled out a late inclusion of second-row Will Skelton in his squad for the Rugby World Cup.
Skelton is contracted to Saracens and was outstanding last season as he helped the English outfit win both the Premiership and European Cup.
However, to be eligible for Australia in this year’s World Cup he must leave Saracens and sign for an Australian Super Rugby side in 2020.
When questioned about the prospect of including players currently outside his squad, Cheika gave an intriguing response at Sydney airport.
“We’ll have a look and see what the discussion is there over the next day or two, before the squad is selected,” the coach explained.
“If the situation about coming back to Australia is any clearer…he would be, if his contract situation was right, to meet the rules.
“That’s highly unlikely right now with only a day or two to go. But more to pick from, the more options that gives us all.”
Will Skelton is 6'7" and 135 kg.
Gareth Steenson is 5'9" and 87 kg.
When they collide at full speed only one thing is happening 😱pic.twitter.com/OFidtxFBr6
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) May 4, 2019
The powerful Skelton was excellent for Saracens in 2018/19 as he lost weight and became fitter, with his destructive carrying prominent and he would certainly be a handy option for the Wallabies in Japan this year.
Cheika will announce his Rugby World Cup squad on Friday.