Will Skelton, a distinguished alumnus of the Sydney University Football Club (SUFC), has made a notable return to the Wallabies, playing from the bench in their big 52-20 win over Wales.
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Skelton moved to Sydney at age ten and began his rugby journey at SUFC in 2010. Skelton’s standout performances caught selectors’ attention, and they included him in the New South Wales Waratahs squad in 2013. He quickly established himself as a dominant force, helping the Waratahs secure their maiden Super Rugby title in 2014.
After making his mark in Australia, Skelton moved to Europe to further his career. He joined England’s Saracens and became a key player, winning two Premierships titles and two European Rugby Champions Cups. His success didn’t stop when he continued at French powerhouse La Rochelle, where he played a pivotal role in their back-to-back European Rugby Championship Cup victories in 2022 and 2023.
Skelton’s inclusion in the Wallabies squad with fellow teammate and SUS Sports Man of the Year 2024 Angus Bell was the first since captaining the team in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. This tour still to feature two more high-stakes games against Scotland and Ireland, which allowed the Wallabies to rebuild and strengthen after a disappointing Rugby Championship campaign.
Skeleton’s return was highly anticipated for the game against Wales. His physical presence and leadership proved instrumental in solidifying the Wallabies’ forward pack, and this a great reminder of the impact he can have on the international stage. This dominance in scrums and lineouts helped the team remain competitive against one of the northern hemisphere’s powerhouses.
Skeleton: “I’m focused on contributing my experience to the group and helping the team achieve its goals”.”
As the Wallabies aim to reassert themselves on the international stage, Will’s return symbolises the blend of experience, resilience, and leadership. For both SUFC and SUS, his success is a source of immense pride while showcasing the lasting impact of their program on Australian rugby.
From everyone at Sydney Uni Sport, we wish Will the best of luck for the rest of the tour.
