Wallabies Hit by Key Injury as Will Skelton Returns to France
August 26, 2025
Australia lock Will Skelton is set to return to France to rejoin his club, La Rochelle, ahead of the Top 14 season, delivering a blow to the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship campaign.
Rugby Australia confirmed that Skelton will miss home Tests against Argentina in Townsville and Sydney, with no guarantee he will feature in the final matches against New Zealand. Australia currently sits second on the Championship table, trailing the All Blacks after recording a win and a loss against South Africa.
Skelton, who had previously missed a test against Fiji and the British and Irish Lions series opener due to a calf injury, has been a key figure for the Wallabies since returning for the second Lions test in Melbourne. His departure now provides an opportunity for reserve lock Lukhan Salakai-Loto, but leaves coach Joe Schmidt’s squad further stretched amid multiple injuries.
Injury concerns are mounting across the team. Prop Allan Alaalatoa is sidelined with a shoulder injury, while captain Harry Wilson, prop Taniela Tupou, and hookers Matt Faessler and Lachlan Lonergan are all doubtful for the Argentina series beginning September 7 in Townsville.
Adding to the challenges, full-back Tom Wright will miss the remainder of the year after an ACL tear, and scrum-half Nic White along with centre Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii are recovering from concussions suffered in the recent Springboks clash.
The Wallabies now face a critical test of depth as they look to maintain their Rugby Championship hopes without several key players.
