Will Skelton to miss final two Tests of Australia's European tour

Will Skelton will not feature in Australia’s remaining Tests this year against Ireland and France after suffering an ankle injury while playing for his club in France.

The 33-year-old lock picked up the injury during a Top 14 fixture, ruling him out of the two matches at the end of Australia’s European tour.

The Wallabies, having already lost to both England and Italy, will miss Skelton’s size and physical presence in a forward pack that has struggled for momentum.

Meanwhile, veteran fly-half James O’Connor has joined the squad in Dublin to assist with preparations for the Ireland match, though his role appears primarily as support rather than on-field action.

Coach Joe Schmidt will now need to reconsider his forward options ahead of the trips to Dublin and Paris, facing the prospect of ending the tour without a win.

Following the game against Ireland on Saturday, Australia will conclude the tour with a clash against France on 22nd November in Paris.