Confirmed: NRL star Angus Crichton commits to code switch before World Cup

Sydney Roosters backrower Angus Crichton will officially switch codes ahead of next year’s Super Rugby Pacific season and the Rugby World Cup, comitting to a deal from 2027 with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs.

Code Sports and other media outlets reported on Wednesday morning that Crichton had put pen to paper on a deal with Rugby Australia. The governing body confirmed that at about 5:00 pm AEST, with Crichton signing on for two years.

The former Australia Schoolboys representative returns to rugby union after a decorated stint in the NRL with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters, which included a Premiership with the Tricolours in 2019.

Crichton is a Rugby League World Cup champion with the Australia Kangaroos, and is a four-time State of Origin series winner with New South Wales. The 29-year-old was named the State of Origin man of the series, receiving the Wally Lewis Medal, in 2024.

Following the 2026 NRL season, Crichton will join former Sydney Rooster teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at the Waratahs. Mark Nawaqanitawase is also reportedly heading to Japan Rugby League One ahead of the World Cup in Australia.

“It’s incredibly exciting to be returning to the sport I played throughout my childhood,” Crichton said in a press release.

“Growing 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.

“To 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.

“I’m 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’ve had in the NRL.

“I 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.”

Crichton made 21 appearances for the Roosters last season, scoring a handful of tries and finishing the campaign with almost 92 per cent tackle efficiency. It’s the eighth time in 10 seasons that Crichton’s tackle percentage was above 90.

Waratahs coach Dan McKellar labelled Crichton “the ultimate professional” ahead of the new signing’s arrival next season. Crichton will compete for a palce in the Wallabies’ World Cup squad, potentially adding to his big-game experience both in the NRL and at representative level,

“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.”