Blindside revelations
SARACENS are facing an uphill battle to retain the services of Wallaby lock Will Skelton when his contract runs out at the end of the season. Skelton, 26, has been targeted by Wallaby coach Michael Cheika to return home when his two-year deal with the Premiership champions runs out. The Auckland-born second row spent two years playing for the NSW Waratahs before making the permanent switch to north London after a successful short term loan. Skelton, who has won 18 international caps, was first called into the Wallabies playing squad by Cheika five years ago. He has been ruled out of Wallabies selection while at Sarries because he does not fit the overseas criteria set by the Australian Rugby Union just before the 2015 World Cup. Now Chieka wants him to follow Matt Toomua, who is leaving Leicester Tigers to link up with Melbourne Rebels at the end of the Premiership season.
Cheika has already spoken to Skelton who could turn out for Australia in the Autumn Internationals if he signs a contract for next season with the ARU.
Saracens boss Mark McCall is keen to keep the 6ft 8in juggernaut at the club beyond the end of the season but his job has been made harder by the ARU’s offer.
He is hoping to have talks with Skelton in the very near future to try and persuade him to turn his back on a return to the Wallabies fold.
Meanwhile McCall is looking for a short tern replacement to cover Juan Figallo while he is away on international duty with Argentina.
Figallo, who extended his Saracens contract until 2021 at the end of last season, is involved in the Rugby Championship and then the Autumn Internationals.