>> Skelton snub to Wallabies
WILL SKELTON has verbally agreed to stay with Saracens next season after turning down the chance to return to Australia even though it will cost him the chance to play in the World
Cup. The 6ft 8in juggernaut lock is out of contract at the end of the season and the Australian Rugby Union wanted him to return home to play in the World Cup. Skelton, 26, also had offers on the table from France but has told Mark McCall that he will be extending his stay in North London at the expense of his international career. He has been ruled out of Wallabies selection while at Sarries because he does not fit the 60-cap overseas criteria set by the Australian Rugby Union just before the 2015 World Cup.
Skelton joined Saracens permanently after impressing on a short term loan and the news will be a huge boost for McCall who feared that he had an uphill struggle to keep him.
Blindside understands that he has agreed to stay after talks and that the club are now just drawing up the paperwork which should be ready to sign before Christmas.
Meanwhile Jamie George will have increased competition next season with Jack Singleton set to make the switch to Saracens from Worcester.
We have been told that Singleton was offered more money to stay at Sixways but has set his heart on a return to his native Hertfordshire and will sign for Saracens early next year.