Latest news with #WillSkelton
Perth Now
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Wallabies giant rates Lions series as career pinnacle
Already boasting a bulging trophy cabinet, Wallabies giant Will Skelton says a series triumph over the British and Irish Lions will the "pinnacle" of his rugby career. The 33-year-old was the only overseas-based player included as Australia prepare to warm up for the northern hemisphere tourists with a Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. It will be Skelton's first Lions campaign, only facing them during the last series in 2013 with the Waratahs as a rookie 21-year-old. He has amassed a Super Rugby title with NSW, is a four-time European champion, and won two English premiership trophies with Saracens and two Top 14 gongs with his French club La Rochelle but says the Lions series is something special. "I was very raw, I didn't understand the magnitude of the (Lions) tour as I do now with all the experience I've had," Skelton said in Sydney. "It's a massive, massive occasion for rugby and especially rugby in Australia ... it will be the pinnacle. "It's very special and a lot of players have been putting their hand up to try and play in those games." La Rochelle surprisingly missing the Top 14 finals means Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will have Skelton for a full preparation rather than being parachuted in just before a Test. His French form has been down which meant his Test selection was no guarantee but his formidable experience and stature - 203cm and 145kg - made him hard to ignore."I don't think you're ever sure (about selection). You can have conversations with the coaches throughout that time, but you never know," Skelton said. "It's probably my first time in a while that I've been selected in the squad and been able to relish that moment beforehand. "To be able to prep well with the boys in the first campaign of 2025, I think that's really special and I'll keep that close to my heart." Skelton had praise for Wallabies squad newcomer Nick Champion de Crespigny, with the pair going back to Shute Shield days while the Force star also played against in the Top 14. "I played with him at Sydney Uni actually. At training he'd always put shots on, so I'll be watching out for him in camp and hopefully he doesn't hurt me before the games come," said Skelton, who was the Test captain at the 2023 World Cup in France. "He's always has that drive. He was always a worker .… and I saw in France that he had what it took."He'd be real physical in those games and his ruck work was outstanding so for him to be back and getting into the squad, it's a really proud moment for him and his family and it's well deserved."
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- Sport
- The Advertiser
Wallabies giant rates Lions series as career pinnacle
Already boasting a bulging trophy cabinet, Wallabies giant Will Skelton says a series triumph over the British and Irish Lions will the "pinnacle" of his rugby career. The 33-year-old was the only overseas-based player included as Australia prepare to warm up for the northern hemisphere tourists with a Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. It will be Skelton's first Lions campaign, only facing them during the last series in 2013 with the Waratahs as a rookie 21-year-old. He has amassed a Super Rugby title with NSW, is a four-time European champion, and won two English premiership trophies with Saracens and two Top 14 gongs with his French club La Rochelle but says the Lions series is something special. "I was very raw, I didn't understand the magnitude of the (Lions) tour as I do now with all the experience I've had," Skelton said in Sydney. "It's a massive, massive occasion for rugby and especially rugby in Australia ... it will be the pinnacle. "It's very special and a lot of players have been putting their hand up to try and play in those games." La Rochelle surprisingly missing the Top 14 finals means Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will have Skelton for a full preparation rather than being parachuted in just before a Test. His French form has been down which meant his Test selection was no guarantee but his formidable experience and stature - 203cm and 145kg - made him hard to ignore."I don't think you're ever sure (about selection). You can have conversations with the coaches throughout that time, but you never know," Skelton said. "It's probably my first time in a while that I've been selected in the squad and been able to relish that moment beforehand. "To be able to prep well with the boys in the first campaign of 2025, I think that's really special and I'll keep that close to my heart." Skelton had praise for Wallabies squad newcomer Nick Champion de Crespigny, with the pair going back to Shute Shield days while the Force star also played against in the Top 14. "I played with him at Sydney Uni actually. At training he'd always put shots on, so I'll be watching out for him in camp and hopefully he doesn't hurt me before the games come," said Skelton, who was the Test captain at the 2023 World Cup in France. "He's always has that drive. He was always a worker .… and I saw in France that he had what it took."He'd be real physical in those games and his ruck work was outstanding so for him to be back and getting into the squad, it's a really proud moment for him and his family and it's well deserved." Already boasting a bulging trophy cabinet, Wallabies giant Will Skelton says a series triumph over the British and Irish Lions will the "pinnacle" of his rugby career. The 33-year-old was the only overseas-based player included as Australia prepare to warm up for the northern hemisphere tourists with a Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. It will be Skelton's first Lions campaign, only facing them during the last series in 2013 with the Waratahs as a rookie 21-year-old. He has amassed a Super Rugby title with NSW, is a four-time European champion, and won two English premiership trophies with Saracens and two Top 14 gongs with his French club La Rochelle but says the Lions series is something special. "I was very raw, I didn't understand the magnitude of the (Lions) tour as I do now with all the experience I've had," Skelton said in Sydney. "It's a massive, massive occasion for rugby and especially rugby in Australia ... it will be the pinnacle. "It's very special and a lot of players have been putting their hand up to try and play in those games." La Rochelle surprisingly missing the Top 14 finals means Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will have Skelton for a full preparation rather than being parachuted in just before a Test. His French form has been down which meant his Test selection was no guarantee but his formidable experience and stature - 203cm and 145kg - made him hard to ignore."I don't think you're ever sure (about selection). You can have conversations with the coaches throughout that time, but you never know," Skelton said. "It's probably my first time in a while that I've been selected in the squad and been able to relish that moment beforehand. "To be able to prep well with the boys in the first campaign of 2025, I think that's really special and I'll keep that close to my heart." Skelton had praise for Wallabies squad newcomer Nick Champion de Crespigny, with the pair going back to Shute Shield days while the Force star also played against in the Top 14. "I played with him at Sydney Uni actually. At training he'd always put shots on, so I'll be watching out for him in camp and hopefully he doesn't hurt me before the games come," said Skelton, who was the Test captain at the 2023 World Cup in France. "He's always has that drive. He was always a worker .… and I saw in France that he had what it took."He'd be real physical in those games and his ruck work was outstanding so for him to be back and getting into the squad, it's a really proud moment for him and his family and it's well deserved." Already boasting a bulging trophy cabinet, Wallabies giant Will Skelton says a series triumph over the British and Irish Lions will the "pinnacle" of his rugby career. The 33-year-old was the only overseas-based player included as Australia prepare to warm up for the northern hemisphere tourists with a Test against Fiji in Newcastle on July 6. It will be Skelton's first Lions campaign, only facing them during the last series in 2013 with the Waratahs as a rookie 21-year-old. He has amassed a Super Rugby title with NSW, is a four-time European champion, and won two English premiership trophies with Saracens and two Top 14 gongs with his French club La Rochelle but says the Lions series is something special. "I was very raw, I didn't understand the magnitude of the (Lions) tour as I do now with all the experience I've had," Skelton said in Sydney. "It's a massive, massive occasion for rugby and especially rugby in Australia ... it will be the pinnacle. "It's very special and a lot of players have been putting their hand up to try and play in those games." La Rochelle surprisingly missing the Top 14 finals means Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will have Skelton for a full preparation rather than being parachuted in just before a Test. His French form has been down which meant his Test selection was no guarantee but his formidable experience and stature - 203cm and 145kg - made him hard to ignore."I don't think you're ever sure (about selection). You can have conversations with the coaches throughout that time, but you never know," Skelton said. "It's probably my first time in a while that I've been selected in the squad and been able to relish that moment beforehand. "To be able to prep well with the boys in the first campaign of 2025, I think that's really special and I'll keep that close to my heart." Skelton had praise for Wallabies squad newcomer Nick Champion de Crespigny, with the pair going back to Shute Shield days while the Force star also played against in the Top 14. "I played with him at Sydney Uni actually. At training he'd always put shots on, so I'll be watching out for him in camp and hopefully he doesn't hurt me before the games come," said Skelton, who was the Test captain at the 2023 World Cup in France. "He's always has that drive. He was always a worker .… and I saw in France that he had what it took."He'd be real physical in those games and his ruck work was outstanding so for him to be back and getting into the squad, it's a really proud moment for him and his family and it's well deserved."
Irish Times
21 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Times
Australia squad thin on playmakers may come back to bite Joe Schmidt
Australia coach Joe Schmidt named his 36-man squad to face Fiji and the British & Irish Lions , recalling the enigmatic Will Skelton from La Rochelle, rewarding the uncapped Nick Champion de Crespigny's rousing form for Castres Olympique, and bringing giant lock Darcy Swain in from the cold. Former star prop Taniela Tupou had wondered publicly if he'd forgotten how to play the game but Schmidt believes he can rekindle his glory days. Perth-born Carlo Tizzano is in having led Super Rugby try-scoring and tackle counts all year. And Sevens bolter Corey Toole, who scored twice in the Brumbies' semi-final loss, looks set for a Test debut with Queensland's Tim Ryan missing out. With half-a-million fans set to attend nine sold-out games on this ninth Lions tour, Schmidt knows 2025 must be a game-changer for Rugby Australia . The tour, a 12-year circus, needs to fund the vaunted 'golden era' of a home 2027 men's World Cup, the 2029 women's World Cup and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. France reported a $2.5bn injection into their economy after hosting the 2023 RWC, and Australia's 2027 tournament, featuring an increased 24 teams, could be even bigger. However, the only currency that matters for fans is on-field success and having extended his reign until July 2026 Schmidt has adopted a 'win at all costs' credo. READ MORE Australia's Langi Gleeson. Photograph: Anne-Christine Poujoulat/AFP via Getty Images Previously, the 59-year-old has preferred picking local loyalists rather than overseas players. Yet Wednesday's squad was notable for featuring flanker Langi Gleeson (who Schmidt once uninvited to camp after he signed to play in France), outhalf Noah Lolesio (heading to Japan in 2026), centre Len Ikitau and flanker Tom Hooper (both off to Exeter) and prop Angus Bell (taking a sabbatical to Ulster). It's a sign Schmidt will forgive such double-agents if it means maintaining depth. A powerful Lions squad lands on Saturday for three Tests, four tour games against Australia's state sides, plus two invitational fixtures featuring a hybrid Australia and New Zealand team and a First Nations & Pasifika XV. A high attrition rate is expected along the way so Schmidt has relaxed his stance on his squad playing Tests or tour games, not both. Last month he told media he intended to 'safeguard' a core of 25 players and release the rest of the squad to represent their states or the invitational side to be helmed by incoming national coach Les Kiss. 'We don't want to deprive someone of the opportunity of playing against the Lions if they're not going to get the Test jersey,' Schmidt said. In naming a host of injured players – hooker Matt Faessler (hamstring), winger Max Jorgensen (ankle), outhalves Lolesio (HIA) and Tom Lynagh (finger) and star signing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (jaw), Schmidt has backtracked to ensure his men are fit for the Lions challenge. 'To get a game under their belt before they actually come into Wallaby camp may be the most advantageous situation,' he said. The Wallabies and Flying Fijians have met 23 times over 73 years, splitting their first two series in 1952 and 1954 before 69 years and 83 days of Australian supremacy. The banana skin for Schmidt is that this streak ended at the side's last meeting, the 39-21 cataclysm in France that sent Australia home early from the 2023 World Cup. Despite the retirement of captain Waisea Nayacalevu, Fiji have improved since then, defeating Wales and almost upsetting England. Under new coach Mick Byrne – a former assistant to Michael Cheika – they will be ready to punish their hosts again when they face them in Newcastle on July 6th. Fiji's Waisea Nayacalevu in action against Australia during the 2023 World Cup. Photograph: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport/Inpho The bad omens don't end there. When Australia played their first Test in Newcastle, another calamity ensued. The 2012 team, coached by Robbie Deans and led by now senator David Pocock, braved rain and 120kph gales in an ugly 9-6 loss to Scotland. The only silver lining that dark night was a debut by one Michael Hooper. Let's hope that ghost story doesn't feature at camp, nor that of Arthur Seddon, first captain of the Lions, who drowned in Newcastle's Hunter River on the 1888 tour. Instead, Schmidt must get busy building combinations and getting inside the brains of his players with a game plan to undo Lions coach Andy Farrell's UK all-stars. He has elected to do so without the 'Three Amigos'. Active veterans James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale, who almost stole the 2013 series from the Lions, missed selection, something third amigo, Quade Cooper, warns might come back to bite a Wallabies squad thin on playmakers and badly in need of a creative director at 10. Schmidt has 36 pieces and less than a month to assemble the Wallabies puzzle. There are hungry Lions on the doorstep and plenty of Australian pride on the line. – Guardian
The Guardian
a day ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Wallabies squad thin on playmakers may come back to bite Joe Schmidt
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt named his 36-man squad to face Fiji and the British & Irish Lions, recalling the enigmatic Will Skelton from La Rochelle, rewarding the uncapped Nick Champion de Crespigny's rousing form for Castres Olympique, and bringing giant lock Darcy Swain in from the cold. Former star prop Taniela Tupou had wondered publicly if he'd forgotten how to play the game but Schmidt believes he can rekindle his glory days. Perth-born Carlo Tizzano is in having led Super Rugby try-scoring and tackle counts all year. And Sevens bolter Corey Toole, who scored twice in the Brumbies' semi-final loss, looks set for a Test debut with Queensland's Tim Ryan missing out. With half-a-million fans set to attend nine sold-out games on this ninth Lions tour, Schmidt knows 2025 must be a gamechanger for Rugby Australia. The tour, a 12-year circus, needs to fund the vaunted 'golden era' of a home 2027 men's World Cup, the 2029 women's World Cup and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. France reported a $2.5b injection into their economy after hosting the 2023 RWC, and Australia's 2027 tournament, featuring an increased 24 teams, could be even bigger. However, the only currency that matters for fans is on-field success and having extended his reign until July 2026 Schmidt has adopted a 'win at all costs' credo. Previously, the 59-year-old has preferred picking local loyalists rather than overseas players. Yet yesterday's squad was notable for featuring flanker Langi Gleeson (who Schmidt once uninvited to camp after he signed to play in France), flyhalf Noah Lolesio (heading to Japan in 2026), centre Len Ikitau and flanker Tom Hooper (both off to Exeter) and prop Angus Bell (taking a sabbatical to Ulster). It's a sign Schmidt will forgive such double-agents if it means maintaining depth. A powerful Lions squad lands on Saturday for three Tests, four tour games against Australia's state sides, plus two invitational fixtures featuring a hybrid Australia and New Zealand team and a First Nations & Pasifika XV. A high attrition rate is expected along the way so Schmidt has relaxed his stance on his squad playing Tests or tour games, not both. Last month he told media he intended to 'safeguard' a core of 25 Wallabies and release the rest of the squad to represent their states or the invitational side to be helmed by incoming national coach Les Kiss. 'We don't want to deprive someone of the opportunity of playing against the Lions if they're not going to get the Test jersey,' Schmidt said. In naming a host of injured players – hooker Matt Faessler (hamstring), winger Max Jorgensen (ankle), fly halves Lolesio (HIA) and Tom Lynagh (finger) and star signing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (jaw), Schmidt has backtracked to ensure his men are fit for the Lion challenge. 'To get a game under their belt before they actually come into Wallaby camp may be the most advantageous situation,' he said. The Wallabies and Flying Fijians have met 23 times over 73 years, splitting their first two series in 1952 and 1954 before 69 years and 83 days of Australian supremacy. The banana skin for Schmidt is that this streak ended at the side's last meeting, the 39-21 cataclysm in France that sent Australia home early from the 2023 World Cup. Despite the retirement of captain Waisea Nayacalevu, Fiji have improved since then, defeating Wales and almost upsetting England. Under new coach Mick Byrne – a former Wallabies assistant to Michael Cheika – they will be ready to punish their hosts again when they face them in Newcastle on 6 July. Sign up to The Breakdown The latest rugby union news and analysis, plus all the week's action reviewed after newsletter promotion The bad omens don't end there. When Australia played their first Test in Newcastle, another calamity ensued. The 2012 Wallabies coached by Robbie Deans and led by now senator David Pocock braved rain and 120kph gales in an ugly 9-6 loss to Scotland. The only silver lining that dark night was a debut by one Michael Hooper. Let's hope that ghost story doesn't feature at camp, nor that of Arthur Seddon, first captain of the Lions, who drowned in Newcastle's Hunter River on the 1888 tour. Instead, Schmidt must get busy building combinations and getting inside the brains of his players with a gameplan to undo Lions coach Andy Farrell's UK all-stars. He has elected to do so without the 'Three Amigos'. Active veterans James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale, who almost stole the 2013 series from the Lions, missed selection, something third amigo, Quade Cooper, warns might come back to bite a Wallabies squad thin on playmakers and badly in need of a creative director at 10. Schmidt has 36 pieces and less than a month to assemble the Wallabies puzzle. There are hungry Lions on the doorstep and plenty of Australian pride on the line.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Wallabies squad thin on playmakers may come back to bite Joe Schmidt
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will hope Australia can emulate their historical record against Fiji when they meet in Newcastle on 6 July ahead of the Lions tour. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt will hope Australia can emulate their historical record against Fiji when they meet in Newcastle on 6 July ahead of the Lions tour. Photograph: David Gray/AFP/Getty Images Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt named his 36-man squad to face Fiji and the British & Irish Lions, recalling the enigmatic Will Skelton from La Rochelle, rewarding the uncapped Nick Champion de Crespigny's rousing form for Castres Olympique, and bringing giant lock Darcy Swain in from the cold. Former star prop Taniela Tupou had wondered publicly if he'd forgotten how to play the game but Schmidt believes he can rekindle his glory days. Perth-born Carlo Tizzano is in having led Super Rugby try-scoring and tackle counts all year. And Sevens bolter Corey Toole, who scored twice in the Brumbies' semi-final loss, looks set for a Test debut with Queensland's Tim Ryan missing out. Advertisement Related: Wallabies name squad for Fiji Test as James O'Connor misses out ahead of Lions series With half-a-million fans set to attend nine sold-out games on this ninth Lions tour, Schmidt knows 2025 must be a gamechanger for Rugby Australia. The tour, a 12-year circus, needs to fund the vaunted 'golden era' of a home 2027 men's World Cup, the 2029 women's World Cup and the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. France reported a $2.5b injection into their economy after hosting the 2023 RWC, and Australia's 2027 tournament, featuring an increased 24 teams, could be even bigger. However, the only currency that matters for fans is on-field success and having extended his reign until July 2026 Schmidt has adopted a 'win at all costs' credo. Previously, the 59-year-old has preferred picking local loyalists rather than overseas players. Yet yesterday's squad was notable for featuring flanker Langi Gleeson (who Schmidt once uninvited to camp after he signed to play in France), flyhalf Noah Lolesio (heading to Japan in 2026), centre Len Ikitau and flanker Tom Hooper (both off to Exeter) and prop Angus Bell (taking a sabbatical to Ulster). Advertisement It's a sign Schmidt will forgive such double-agents if it means maintaining depth. A powerful Lions squad lands on Saturday for three Tests, four tour games against Australia's state sides, plus two invitational fixtures featuring a hybrid Australia and New Zealand team and a First Nations & Pasifika XV. A high attrition rate is expected along the way so Schmidt has relaxed his stance on his squad playing Tests or tour games, not both. Last month he told media he intended to 'safeguard' a core of 25 Wallabies and release the rest of the squad to represent their states or the invitational side to be helmed by incoming national coach Les Kiss. 'We don't want to deprive someone of the opportunity of playing against the Lions if they're not going to get the Test jersey,' Schmidt said. In naming a host of injured players – hooker Matt Faessler (hamstring), winger Max Jorgensen (ankle), fly halves Lolesio (HIA) and Tom Lynagh (finger) and star signing Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (jaw), Schmidt has backtracked to ensure his men are fit for the Lion challenge. 'To get a game under their belt before they actually come into Wallaby camp may be the most advantageous situation,' he said. The Wallabies and Flying Fijians have met 23 times over 73 years, splitting their first two series in 1952 and 1954 before 69 years and 83 days of Australian supremacy. The banana skin for Schmidt is that this streak ended at the side's last meeting, the 39-21 cataclysm in France that sent Australia home early from the 2023 World Cup. Despite the retirement of captain Waisea Nayacalevu, Fiji have improved since then, defeating Wales and almost upsetting England. Under new coach Mick Byrne – a former Wallabies assistant to Michael Cheika – they will be ready to punish their hosts again when they face them in Newcastle on 6 July. Advertisement Related: 'It's going to be pretty monumental': Harry Potter eyes Wallabies spot for Lions series | Jack Snape The bad omens don't end there. When Australia played their first Test in Newcastle, another calamity ensued. The 2012 Wallabies coached by Robbie Deans and led by now senator David Pocock braved rain and 120kph gales in an ugly 9-6 loss to Scotland. The only silver lining that dark night was a debut by one Michael Hooper. Let's hope that ghost story doesn't feature at camp, nor that of Arthur Seddon, first captain of the Lions, who drowned in Newcastle's Hunter River on the 1888 tour. Instead, Schmidt must get busy building combinations and getting inside the brains of his players with a gameplan to undo Lions coach Andy Farrell's UK all-stars. He has elected to do so without the 'Three Amigos'. Active veterans James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale, who almost stole the 2013 series from the Lions, missed selection, something third amigo, Quade Cooper, warns might come back to bite a Wallabies squad thin on playmakers and badly in need of a creative director at 10. Schmidt has 36 pieces and less than a month to assemble the Wallabies puzzle. There are hungry Lions on the doorstep and plenty of Australian pride on the line.
