Skelton replacement one of two South Africans targeted by La Rochelle

La Rochelle are plotting a double move for South Africans to strengthen their squad ahead of next season after suffering a major injury blow last weekend, with Wallaby star Will Skelton set to miss the rest of the season.

The former Saracens ace has been plagued by recurring injuries throughout a disastrous season, which could be over after suffering a suspected Achilles tendon rupture in the 26-15 win over Bayonne.

Skelton, who is a pillar of strength in the maul, faces six months on the sidelines if the worst fears of the injury are confirmed, and they have already moved for another Saracens ace, Samoan Theo McFarland.

Now they have put the Stormers’ Springbok star, Salmaan Moerat, on their shopping list. The fallen Top 14 giants are closing in on a deal for the 11-times capped lock, who looks ready to swap Cape Town for the Bay of Biscay.

Moerat, 28, who is currently on the sidelines after a toe operation, but is on course to return to action in time for the United Rugby Championship play-offs, will join Stormers back Dillyn Leyds at the Stade Marcel-Deflandre.

He will become the latest lock to leave the Stormers at the end of the current campaign, with Ruben van Heerden also set to ply his trade in the Top 14 next season, having signed with Montpellier.

Meanwhile, Ronan O’Gara is also set to sign Bulls outside centre David Kriel, who has another year-left to run on his contract and had been linked with clubs in Japan and URC rivals Glasgow Warriors.

The Warriors had wanted former South Africa under-20 international Kriel, 27, who also plays at inside centre, to replace Toulon-bound Huw Jones, but appear to have missed out.

Kriel, who has made over 100 appearances for the Bulls, activated a break clause that allows him to leave Pretoria at the end of the season. He will offer O’Gara plenty of options as he can also operate on either wing or even at full-back.