Wallabies enforcer Will Skelton is packing his bags for France, stepping away from the Rugby Championship battlegrounds despite lighting up the pitch in his recent appearances. This season, Skelton has been nothing short of a colossus for Joe Schmidt’s squad, notably dominating in clashes against the British and Irish Lions and continuing his fearsome form into the Championship opener against South Africa. However, Skelton’s stint with the Wallabies is hitting pause as he heads back to his club commitments in France.
Despite stirring hopes of featuring in upcoming home games against Argentina and in the Bledisloe Cup matches against New Zealand, Skelton has confirmed his imminent departure. “I will definitely be on the flight home,” he declared post-victory in Johannesburg. He also hinted at ongoing discussions about his participation in the rest of the Championship, adding, “We will have a think this week and have a chat with the brains trust and see what we get to.”
His return to France aligns with the start of La Rochelle’s season, coached by Ronan O’Gara. The team is gearing up for their opening match on September 6, coinciding with the Wallabies’ fixture against Argentina. While La Rochelle cannot legally block Skelton’s selection due to World Rugby regulation 9(c)(iii), which mandates club release for international duty during specified periods, Rugby Australia seems to be playing it safe. This approach likely aims to maintain harmony with La Rochelle while managing Skelton’s physical toll.
"I will definitely be on the flight home,"
Regulation 9(c)(iii) stipulates that clubs are obliged to release players for six out of the eight weeks of the Rugby Championship, allowing some leeway for clubs to have their players during rest periods. This nuanced management of player availability reflects the delicate balance between national duties and club commitments.
The decision to sideline Skelton for the key matches against Argentina and New Zealand is a strategic one. It underscores the ongoing challenge of juggling player health, club obligations, and the high stakes of international rugby. Skelton's absence, compounded by Tom Wright’s season-ending injury, certainly puts Schmidt’s squad in a tight spot as they navigate the remainder of their demanding season.
As the Wallabies brace for their next fixtures, the ripple effects of Skelton’s departure will be closely watched. With nine more Tests on the horizon for 2025, only time will tell when the towering lock will don the gold jersey again.