Will Skelton will depart Saracens at the end of the month following four years at Allianz Park.
A popular character among the Saracens family, Skelton and his wife Kate will be greatly missed as the 28-year-old begins a new chapter in his career at La Rochelle.
Skelton initially moved to north London on a short-term deal from the Waratahs in December 2016 and impressed in helping the club to retain the Champions Cup.
🗞 Will Skelton will depart Saracens at the end of the month.
— Saracens Rugby Club (@Saracens) June 19, 2020
Thanks @SkeltonWilliam for the big hits, the monster carries but, most importantly, for always playing with a smile on your face 😁 #TogetherSaracens ⚫️🔴 | #ThankYouSkelts
After competing in the 2017 Super Rugby competition, the 6ft 8in lock agreed to join Sarries on a permanent basis ahead of the 2017/18 campaign.
A lot of hard work and dedication followed as the lock made great strides in his game to play a big role in securing a fourth Premiership title for Mark McCall’s side.
A similarly transformative summer in 2018 led to more success for Skelton on the pitch with a domestic and European double crowning a fantastic season – the Australian was also named Saracens Players’ Player of the Year.
Skelton made the last of his 77 appearances for the Men in Black in the 24-13 victory at Allianz Park over Leicester Tigers and insists he will never forget his experiences as a Saracen.
“It’s pretty sad having to leave a great club and great environment,” said Skelton. “But I’m excited for the journey ahead.
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“It’s been a special time here. From the first day you see how welcoming the boys are, you see first hand the culture that everyone’s talking about.
“I’m extremely grateful to the coaches and players for embracing myself and my wife and welcoming us to such a family.
“I came here wanting to improve and wanting to make an impact on the team and I think I’ve done that.
“I just want to thank all the coaches, the players and the support staff for investing in me and making my time here very special and a memory I’ll never forget.”
Wasps transfers | 4 wingers they should target to sign
1. D.T.H van der Merwe
Glasgow Warriors’ record try-scorer is to leave the club at the end of the current season. The 34-year-old has scored 54 tries in 123 appearances for the club over eight seasons.
If Wasps could sign the Canada international, who has already confirmed ‘he’d like to play on for a few more years’, he’d certainly guarantee tries.
