Rugby Confidential: Skelton’s Super Rugby, Wallabies return; KB’s indigenous vision

The Wallabies and Australian rugby receive a giant World Cup boost, Kurtley Beale’s jersey dream and Shute Shield continues to be the game’s standard. It’s all in Rugby Confidential.

Will Skelton has signed with the Rebels. Picture: Brett Costello

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The Rebels are about to land the prized signature of giant second rower Will Skelton in a deal that will allow him to play for the Wallabies at this year’s World Cup.

But sources have told Rugby Confidential that there’s a catch.

The 27-year-old lock won’t be heading to Melbourne until the end of the 2021 season after a complicated agreement was reached that will allow Skelton to continue playing for English club Saracens and be eligible for selection for the World Cup.

Will Skelton has signed with the Rebels. Picture: Brett Costello

While it was expected Skelton would most likely return to the Waratahs, Rugby Confidential understands his decision to join the Rebels was made because Rob Simmons is about to sign a two-year extension to remain in NSW.

It’s the latest tweak to the contentious Giteau Law that Michael Cheika introduced to smooth the way for Australia’s European-based players to play at the World Cup.

The rule originally means that only players who had made 60 Test appearances could be considered for selection if they were based overseas.

But the rule has been tweaked to include players who have signed for Australian teams, which will allow Nic White (22 caps) and now Skelton (18 caps) to be considered but could have knock-on effects down the track.

NEXT STEP FOR INDIGENOUS JERSEY

While the Wallabies will wear an indigenous jersey at this year’s World Cup for the first time, the national women’s team are still waiting for the day when they will recognise the First Australians on their uniforms.

Despite being Australia’s most successful rugby team — winning the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and winning the 2018 world series — they still haven’t played in an indigenous jersey but Rugby Confidential understands that could soon change.

“That would be special for me if it did,” said Mahalia Murphy, one of Australia’s top female indigenous female stars said.

Kurtley Beale in the Wallabies’ World Cup indigenous jersey. Picture: Getty

“To acknowledge the culture and the history between us and this land and our culture, I think that’s something I’d be very proud to see.”

Kurtley Beale says he hopes that the indigenous jersey will eventually become the norm for all Australian rugby teams, not just as an alternate strip.

“There is a lot more to do later on down the track,” he said. “But I think we need to appreciate what we’ve done so far and celebrate that, especially in reconciliation week."

The Wallabies will wear the indigenous jersey in their pool match against Uruguay and possibly the semi-finals, if they get that far.

SPEIGHT BUCKS BRUMBIES

Wallabies winger Henry Speight is making a surprise switch from the Brumbies to the Queensland Reds next season.

Speight, 31, has signed a two-year deal to move to Brisbane with pregnant partner Louise, who has family in southeast Queensland.

He will be an ideal replacement for Sefa Naivalu, who is heading to French club Stade Francais after the final three games of the Reds’ season.

Henry Speight has signed a two-year deal with the Reds. Picture: AAP

The popular Speight relayed the shock news to his Brumbies teammates in Tokyo ahead of Saturday’s clash against the Sunwolves.

“While focused on the Brumbies for this season, I am delighted to be joining the Reds,” Speight said.

“It’s an exciting time in my life with Louise and I expecting our first child and the opportunity to be around family is something we look forward to.”

SHUTE SHIELD THE SHINING LIGHT

There was a huge response to The Daily Telegraph’s reports earlier this week on the resurgence of Shute Shield and how Sydney’s premier club teams are winning back fans.

They’ve done it by prioritising grassroots supporters, and the Western Sydney Two Blues are taking that to a new level by going on the road and hosting the Warringah Rats at Camden Rugby Park June 15.

Originally published as Rugby Confidential: Skelton’s Super Rugby, Wallabies return; KB’s indigenous vision