NRL star Angus Crichton is set to switch codes and join the Waratahs after agreeing terms on a two-year contract with Rugby Australia effective from 2027.<\/p>\n
Crichton is no stranger to rugby union as he represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2013 and 2014, alongside Waratahs and Wallabies utility back Andrew Kellaway, while both attended The Scots College.<\/p>\n
He then made the switch to the 13-a-side code and initially represented the South Sydney Rabbitohs from 2016 to 2018 in the NRL before joining the Sydney Roosters in 2019.<\/p>\n
The 29-year-old, who plays as a second-row in rugby league, attained state honours with the New South Wales Blues in the State of Origin series and also represented the Australian<\/a> Kangaroos side with distinction over the years.<\/p>\n Crichton<\/a> is excited to make his return to rugby union with the Waratahs<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s incredibly exciting to be returning to the sport I played throughout my childhood,\u201d he said. \u201cGrowing up in Young, I have great memories driving up on buses to Canberra with the other farmers and their families for the Tahs-Brumbies game every year.<\/p>\n \u2018I grew up with a Wallabies jersey and poster on the wall\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cTo have a chance to play in the same Waratahs jersey as Lote Tuqiri, my favourite rugby player as a kid, is something special. I grew up with a Wallabies jersey and poster on the wall and my dream was to one day represent them.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m in a position in 2027 to pursue that dream and I would like to thank Rugby Australia and the Waratahs for the opportunity, while also acknowledging and showing gratitude for the wonderful career I\u2019ve had in the NRL.<\/p>\n \u201cI am pleased to have confirmed my plans for beyond this season and look forward to fully focusing on the campaign ahead with my team-mates and family at the Roosters.\u201d<\/p>\n Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh<\/a> is delighted that Crichton is making the switch to rugby union, especially with their country being the host of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are thrilled to be bringing Angus back to rugby ahead of a momentous 2027 season, highlighted by a once-in-a-generation home Rugby World Cup,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Wallabies scrum-half\u2019s \u2018don\u2019t really care\u2019 verdict on NRL\u2019s star\u2019s possible code switch<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cAngus excelled as a rugby player through the schoolboy and junior ranks and we believe he will make a strong contribution to the performance and culture of Australian rugby.<\/p>\n \u2018An elite talent and leader in rugby league\u2019<\/p>\n \u201cHe has developed into an elite talent and leader in rugby league and now has the opportunity to showcase his talent on the unique global platform that rugby provides.\u201d<\/p>\n Rugby Australia director of high performance Peter Horne believes Crichton will add value once he returns to the 15-a-side code.<\/p>\n \u201cThe signing of Angus is an important step as we continue to build depth across Australia\u2019s Super Rugby Pacific squads and ensure internal competition for national selection.<\/p>\n \u201cAngus has a deep connection with rugby union as a former Australian Schoolboys representative and has consistently played at the highest level in league.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to bringing him back to rugby and introducing his unique experiences and skillset into our environment from next season.\u201d<\/p>\n Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar is looking forward to working with a player of Crichton\u2019s quality.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re pleased to add someone of Angus\u2019 calibre to the Waratahs for 2027,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s the ultimate professional who will bring a high level of physicality and edge to the group.<\/p>\n \u201cWith his rugby union background, I\u2019m sure he\u2019ll be able to adapt quickly and will be raring to go when he arrives.\u201d<\/p>\n Want more from Planet Rugby? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list<\/a> for world-class coverage you can trust.<\/p>\n