La Rochelle Target Salmaan Moerat and David Kriel in Double Swoop Following Will Skelton Injury Blow

Ronan O’Gara targets Stormers' Salmaan Moerat and Bulls' David Kriel as La Rochelle reacts to Will Skelton's season-ending injury. Read the full transfer breakdown.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 8:48 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Replacing a "Pillar of Strength" at Stade Marcel-Deflandre

La Rochelle’s recruitment drive has been accelerated by a devastating injury to Wallaby star Will Skelton. The massive lock, a central figure in the club’s recent European success, is feared to have ruptured his Achilles tendon during a 26-15 victory over Bayonne. With Skelton potentially facing a six-month recovery period and his season effectively over, head coach Ronan O’Gara has identified Stormers captain Salmaan Moerat as a primary target to bolster the French side’s engine room.

Salmaan Moerat: From Cape Town to the Bay of Biscay

Moerat, 28, is reportedly closing in on a deal that would see him join former teammate Dillyn Leyds in France. The 11-times capped Springbok is currently sidelined following a toe operation but is expected to return for the United Rugby Championship playoffs. His departure would mark another significant loss for the Stormers’ tight five, following Ruben van Heerden’s recently confirmed move to Montpellier. While Moerat has struggled with injury consistency, his physical presence and leadership have made him a coveted asset for O’Gara’s "fallen giants."

David Kriel Activates Bulls Break Clause

In the backline, La Rochelle appears to have won the race for Bulls standout David Kriel. Despite having a year remaining on his contract in Pretoria, the 27-year-old utility back has reportedly activated a break clause to seek opportunities abroad. Kriel, who can operate at center, wing, and fullback, had been heavily linked with Glasgow Warriors as a replacement for the Toulon-bound Huw Jones. However, the lure of the Top 14 and O’Gara’s project in France seems to have swayed the former South Africa Under-20 international.