Will Skelton to join Saracens on short-term deal

Australia international Will Skelton is set to join Aviva Premiership club Saracens on a short-term deal.

The decision comes after the defending champions Saracens got the approval from Skelton's Super Rugby franchise Waratahs and also the Australian Rugby Union. He will now strengthen the second-row as a replacement for Alistair Hargreaves, who recently announced his retirement.

The 24-year-old has played 18 Tests for Australia till now and has been a member of the 2015 World Cup that reached the finals of the tournament. He also made appearances in the recent European tour for the Wallabies as a replacement in the games against Scotland and France.

Saracens rugby director Mark McCall said: " We are delighted to be able to bring a player of Will's calibre into the group.

"He is an immensely-talented rugby player with vast experience for a 24-year old tight-five forward.

"It's no secret that we have been running low on a few bodies in the second-row department, but we made it very clear that we wouldn't compromise on quality when looking to add to our squad.

"In Will, we have a player who will certainly have an important role to play in our group over the next few months."