The Australian crashed over the whitewash in the 73rd minute of their semi-final triumph over the four-time European champions – earning Team of the Round honours for his performance.

La Rochelle head coach Ronan O’Gara summed up the talents of the Aussie behemoth in one phrase: “There are powerful players and then there is Will Skelton.”

Skelton has been a force to be reckoned with in the competition this season. He has played 296 minutes, gained 105 metres and made 38 tackles in his four appearances to date.

Skelton is now just one step away from securing a second Heineken Champions Cup medal – having previously won the title when part of the Saracens squad which lifted the 2018/19 trophy.

The winner of one of the most prized individual accolades in the world game will receive a specially-struck gold medal as well as the Anthony Foley Memorial Trophy.

Voting for the award, which is in its 11th season, is now open HERE and those fans who take part will be in the running to win a signed ball and a signed jersey of one of the Heineken Champions Cup finalist clubs.

The winner of the 2021 award will be announced following the Heineken Champions Cup final on Saturday, 22 May.

EPCR European Player of the Year 2021 award nominees:

Grégory ALLDRITT (La Rochelle)
Antoine DUPONT (Toulouse)
Jerome KAINO (Toulouse)
Julien MARCHAND (Toulouse)
Will SKELTON (La Rochelle)

Judging Panel – Erik Bonneval (beIN SPORTS), Bryan Habana (Channel 4), Sonja McLaughlan (BBC Radio 5 Live), Alan Quinlan (Virgin Media), Dimitri Yachvili (France Télévisions)

Roll of Honour – 2020: Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs); 2019: Alex Goode (Saracens); 2018: Leone Nakarawa (Racing 92); 2017: Owen Farrell (Saracens); 2016: Maro Itoje (Saracens); 2015: Nick Abendanon (ASM Clermont Auvergne); 2014: Steffon Armitage (RC Toulon); 2013: Jonny Wilkinson (RC Toulon); 2012: Rob Kearney (Leinster Rugby); 2011: Sean O’Brien (Leinster Rugby); 2010: Ronan O’Gara (Munster Rugby – best player of first 15 years of European professional club competitions)

La Rochelle lock Will Skelton was in fine form in his side’s Heineken Champions Cup semi-final victory over Leinster Rugby, solidifying his EPCR European Player of the Year resumé in the process.