Skelton to leave Saracens for Top14 - reports

Saracens' player exodus looks set to pick up pace with reports in France this morning stating that Will Skelton has agreed a deal to move to the Top14.

It is being reported that the 27-year-old has agreed a two-year contract with La Rochelle.

According to Midi Olympique, the club had declared their interest in the player a number of weeks ago, and are now close to announcing his signature.

La Rochelle, who are coached by former Ireland and Munster fly-half Ronan O'Gara, currently sit fifth in the Top14 table.

Skelton joined Saracens in 2017 on an initial short-term deal from the Waratahs. He won the last of his 18 international caps for Australia in November 2014.

Just last August, Skelton signed a new two-year deal with Saracens which was due to keep him at Allianz Park until the summer of 2021.

However, the ongoing fall-out surrounding Saracens' 35-point deduction and subsequent relegation from the Gallagher Premiership as a result of salary cap breaches has seen a number of players seek moves away from the London club.

So far, Joe Gray, Liam Williams and Matt Gallagher have all agreed to join new clubs.

Watch: Waratahs assistant coach Chris Whitaker interview