Sydney Roosters star Angus Crichton will switch codes at the end of the 2026 NRL season in a bid to play for the Wallabies at next year\u2019s Rugby World Cup.<\/p>\n
The 29-year-old back-rower will leave the Roosters at the conclusion of the club\u2019s upcoming NRL campaign after signing a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs.<\/p>\n
Crichton is following in the footsteps of another high-profile former Roosters star, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who left the club following the 2024 NRL season to play for the Wallabies and the Waratahs.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s incredibly exciting to be returning to the sport I played throughout my childhood,\u201d said Crichton, a former Australian Schoolboys rugby union representative.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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
Crichton has represented NSW at State of Origin level, making 17 appearances for the Blues between 2018 and 2025.<\/p>\n
Crichton has also played 11 Tests for the Kangaroos, and was a member of the Australian squad that beat England 3-0 in last year\u2019s rugby league Ashes series.<\/p>\n
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh was \u201cthrilled\u201d about Crichton\u2019s return to the 15-a-side code.<\/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,\u201d Waugh said.<\/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
RA director of high performance Peter Horne said Crichton\u2019s signing was an \u201cimportant step\u201d in building depth and competition for place at the top level of Australian rugby.<\/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,\u201d Horne said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re looking forward to bringing him back to rugby and introducing his unique experiences and skill-set into our environment from next season.\u201d<\/p>\n
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar described Crichton as the \u201cultimate professional\u201d.<\/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 McKellar said.<\/p>\n