Wallabies Lose Skelton for Rugby Championship Amid Injury Crisis

Will Skelton, a key lock for the Australian Wallabies rugby team, will miss the upcoming Rugby Championship matches against Argentina as he returns to France to rejoin his club La Rochelle, dealing a significant blow to Australia's hopes in the tournament. Skelton's absence comes amid a spate of injuries affecting the Wallabies, including concerns over players like Allan Alaalatoa and captain Harry Wilson, further stretching coach Joe Schmidt's squad. Despite earlier hopes that Skelton might participate in the Bledisloe Cup games against New Zealand, Rugby Australia confirmed he will not be available for these fixtures as La Rochelle prepares for the Top 14 season. The decision follows Skelton's impactful performances during the British and Irish Lions series and the Rugby Championship opener against South Africa, where his presence was pivotal. La Rochelle's need for Skelton is underscored by their recent failure to make the Top 14 playoffs and their ambition to strengthen the squad under coach Ronan O’Gara. The Wallabies now look to reserve lock Lukhan Salakai-Loto to fill the gap left by Skelton during this challenging period.