Will Skelton’s Rugby World Cup 2027 hopes are very much alive, according to Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt — though the giant lock’s immediate Test availability remains far from settled. Skelton made a barnstorming return to international rugby last weekend, helping Australia storm into a 23-5 halftime lead over the British and Irish Lions at the MCG, only for that cushion to evaporate by the 80th minute. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone exactly why this man is one of the most destructive locks on the planet.
Will Skelton’s Rugby World Cup 2027 Prospects Under the Microscope
Schmidt is openly bullish about Skelton’s ability to reach the 2027 tournament. “The volume he plays — and he’s certainly contracted beyond there with La Rochelle — so I think it’s realistic that he remains part of the conversation,” the Kiwi coach told reporters. “He’s a behemoth, really, isn’t he? He’s agile, skilful, and he’s got great connection in the group. And he is incredibly proud every time he puts that gold jersey on.”
Skelton managed 45 minutes on his return from a calf injury and is set to feature again for Australia in Sydney this weekend — a fixture that carries even more weight after Rob Valetini was scratched from the squad. However, his future beyond Saturday is genuinely unclear. La Rochelle, his French club, are likely to apply pressure to protect their prized asset, and Schmidt has acknowledged those early-stage conversations will sharpen after the weekend. He confirmed he will sit down with Skelton on Sunday to map out the road ahead. ESPN’s rugby coverage has been tracking the situation closely.
The calf issues are worth noting, too. A similar injury robbed Skelton of any involvement beyond Australia’s opening win over Georgia at the Rugby World Cup 2023. Contracted to La Rochelle through to the end of the 2027-28 northern season, he’ll be 35 by the time the next World Cup arrives and 36 when that deal expires — a fine margin that demands careful management of his enormous frame.
Rugby Championship Selection Headaches Mounting for Schmidt
Beyond Skelton, Schmidt faces a selection minefield heading into the Rugby Championship. Several Wallabies — including Taniela Tupou, Langi Gleeson and Tom Hooper — have committed to overseas clubs beyond this season, and Schmidt has made his preference for locally contracted players clear. Nevertheless, injuries are already forcing his hand.
Tupou, who has signed a two-year deal with Racing 92, is back in the squad this weekend after showing genuine improvement with the First Nations-Pasifika side between Tests. Under normal circumstances, Schmidt would likely have leaned on Tom Robertson and Zane Nonggorr at tighthead for the Rugby Championship — but Allan Alaalatoa’s shoulder injury has torn up that plan. Similarly, Valetini’s troublesome calf could hand Gleeson and Hooper a reprieve they might not otherwise have earned.
Meanwhile, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has been outstanding for both the AUNZ Invitational XV and the First Nations-Pasifika XV and is hammering on the door for a starting spot. Reds back-rower Joe Brial is another name gathering momentum. For more on how the Wallabies squad is shaping up, check out our piece on Harry Wilson putting the Eddie Jones snub behind him. The picture heading into the Rugby Championship is complicated — and Schmidt has some fascinating decisions ahead of him.
