La Rochelle Targets Stormers and Bulls Standouts as Successors to Injured Wallaby Giant Will Skelton

French club La Rochelle targets Springbok lock Salmaan Moerat and Bulls back David Kriel to replace the injured Will Skelton for next season.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 1, 2026, 9:02 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

Injury Crisis Forces Strategic Recruitment

La Rochelle,s tactical planning for the upcoming season has been accelerated by a significant blow to their forward pack. Australian international Will Skelton, a cornerstone of the team,s set piece and maul dominance, is expected to be sidelined for at least six months following a suspected Achilles tendon rupture sustained during a victory over Bayonne. With Skelton,s availability for the remainder of the year in doubt, head coach Ronan O’Gara has turned his attention to the South African market to find a physical replacement capable of maintaining the club,s defensive standards.

Salmaan Moerat Set for Top 14 Transition

The primary target for the second row vacancy is Salmaan Moerat, the 28 year old Stormers captain and Springbok lock. Despite currently recovering from a toe operation, Moerat is expected to return to action for the United Rugby Championship (URC) play offs before making the move to the Bay of Biscay. With 11 international caps to his name, Moerat brings significant leadership experience and physical presence. His departure marks a continuing trend for the Stormers, who are also set to lose lock Ruben van Heerden to Montpellier at the end of the current season.

Versatility and Tactical Depth with David Kriel

In addition to strengthening the pack, La Rochelle is moving to secure the services of Bulls standout David Kriel. The 27 year old back has reportedly activated a break clause in his contract with the Pretoria based side, allowing him to bypass the final year of his deal. Kriel was a high priority target for Glasgow Warriors as a replacement for the Toulon bound Huw Jones, but La Rochelle appears to have won the race for his signature. Known for his versatility, Kriel provides elite cover at inside and outside centre, wing, and fullback, offering O’Gara multiple tactical configurations in the backline.