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.”
