Report: NRL star Angus Crichton agrees to code switch before 2027 RWC

Mark Nawaqanitawase isn’t the only Sydney Roosters player reportedly switching codes ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup, with representative forward Angus Crichton set to make the move after signing with Rugby Australia.

Code Sports understands Crichton will leave the Tricolours after the 2026 NRL season, joining former teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii in the 15-player game. Nawaqanitawase is reportedly leaving the Chooks as well, taking up a lucrative deal in Japan Rugby League One.

Crichton has been linked with rugby union before, discussing the prospect of jumping codes in April 2024. The Daily Telegraph reported in February 2024 that Crichton was set to join a French club, before almost signing with the Western Force last year.

The backrower debuted in the NRL with the South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2016 before joining the club’s fierce rivals a few years later. Crichton has spent seven seasons already with the Roosters, helping them win the NRL Premiership in 2019 and the World Club Challenge in 2020.

Crichton has played a key role in four State of Origin series triumphs with the New South Wales Blues, receiving the Wally Lewis Medal in 2024 as the man of the series. The 29-year-old helped Australia win the 2021 Rugby League World Cup as well.

“I need to do what’s right for myself and I am coming to the age now where I am coming into my prime … I turn 28 this year,” Crichton said in April 2024.

“I think if I was going to jump codes it will be in the next little bit.

“If I am going to go over and play union I don’t want to go over washed up and waste anyone’s time.

“If I’m going to give union a crack I want to give it a good crack and I want to dominate that.

“If it’s the right opportunity I’m open to it.”

Crichton has experience in rugby union, albeit as a schoolboy with the Scots College First XV in Sydney. The powerful ball-carrier was selected for the Australia Schoolboys but chose to go down the NRL path, initially with the Rabbitohs.

More to come