‘If I don’t do it now...’: NRL star Angus Crichton explains code switch

Sydney Roosters backrower Angus Crichton will leave the NRL after the 2026 season, believing a code switch had to happen now or probably never. Rugby Australia confirmed on Wednesday that Crichton has signed a two-year deal with the organisation and the NSW Waratahs from 2027.

Code Sports and other media publications reported on Wednesday morning that Crichton had agreed to a sensational move across to rugby union, committing to the sport after one more NRL season with the Chooks.

Rugby Australia officially unveiled Crichton as a marquee signing at 5:00 pm AEST, becoming the latest NRL star to jump codes. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moved across in 2024, and former Wallaby turned NRL phenomenon Mark  Nawaqanitawase has reportedly signed a deal in Japan.

Crichton is a former Australian Schoolboys representative in rugby union before initially pursuing an opportunity with South Sydney. The forward spent a few NRL seasons with the Rabbitohs before joining their arch-rivals, winning an NRL Premiership with the Roosters in 2019.

The New South Wales and Australia representative has been linked with rugby union multiple times before, having come close to joining the Western Force last year. Crichton returns to rugby union ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup, hoping to compete for a spot in the Wallabies squad.

“If I don’t do it now, I probably will never do it,” Chrichton said on Nine News.

“I grew up playing rugby and I came across to league when I was 18 and it’s been a wonderful 10-plus years now.

“Rugby league has given me everything that I have. I’ve got memories for life, I’ve got friends and stuff that I’ll cherish forever but there’s always that thought of going back and it’s a great opportunity and I’m looking forward to it.”

Crichton is a four-time State of Origin series winner with New South Wales, recognised as the player of the series (Wally Lewis Medal) in 2024. The 29-year-old is also a Rugby League World Cup winner, collecting the sport’s top prize with Australia five years ago.

In the NRL, Crichton made 21 appearances for the Chooks last season, finishing with a tackle efficiency percentage above 91. It’s the eighth time in 10 NRL seasons that Crichton’s accuracy on the defensive side of the ball has been above 90.

“It’s a big decision for myself and my family but it was important to me to get it done before the season started,” Crichton explained.

“I don’t want it to be a distraction for the team.

“I’m so locked in with this group here at the Roosters and I owe it to these boys to make sure I empty the tank my last time for this year,” he added. “I’ve given everything I have for this club and I’ll continue to do that for another year and hopefully that ends with us holding a trophy.”

Crichton is the latest signing at the Waratahs from next season, with ACT Brumbies backrower Luke Reimer inking a deal with NSW from 2027. Coach Dan McKellar described Crichton as “the ultimate professional” ahead of the code-hopper’s arrival.

“We 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,” Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh explained.

“Angus 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.

“He 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.”

Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne added: “The signing of Angus is an important step as we continue to build depth across Australia’s Super Rugby Pacific squads and ensure internal competition for national selection.

“Angus has a deep connection with rugby union as a former Australian Schoolboys representative and has consistently played at the highest level in league.

“We’re looking forward to bringing him back to rugby and introducing his unique experiences and skillset into our environment from next season.”