Angus Crichton, a representative rugby league player, is scheduled to depart the Sydney Roosters after the current National Rugby League (NRL) season to switch codes to rugby union. He has signed an agreement with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs, with the intention of becoming eligible for the Australian Wallabies ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Code Switch Confirmed
Crichton, 29, is in the final season of his contract with the Sydney Roosters. Following his departure from the NRL, he is expected to join the NSW Waratahs, a Super Rugby Pacific team. The agreement with Rugby Australia is reported by sources as either a one-year deal with an option for a second season in 2028, or a two-year contract. These terms would make him eligible for selection for the Australian Wallabies. Some reports suggest that if his deal includes an option for a second year, it could allow for a potential return to the NRL as early as the 2028 season, with the Sydney Roosters reportedly open to this possibility. Crichton is also reportedly open to considering overseas rugby offers in Europe or Japan after his Rugby Australia agreement concludes.
Targeting the Rugby World Cup
Crichton's transition to rugby union is aimed at providing him an opportunity to compete at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia. He previously played rugby union during his youth and was a member of the 2014 Australia Schoolboys side, having graduated from Scots College.
Career Background and Achievements
Crichton made his NRL debut in 2016 and has played nearly 200 matches for the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters. He won the 2019 premiership with the Roosters in his inaugural season with the club.
A representative player, Crichton has played 17 games for the NSW Blues in the State of Origin series and 11 Tests for Australia. He was recalled to the NSW State of Origin team following a strong 2024 season, during which he received the Brad Fittler Medal as the Blues' top player and the Dally M second-rower of the year award. His 2023 season was delayed due to a mental health break.
Context of the Transition
Crichton has been consistently linked with a move to rugby union throughout his career, including during his last contract period in 2024, when he signed a two-year extension with the Roosters but maintained an openness to a future code switch. His current move follows that of former teammates Mark Nawaqanitawase and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, both of whom also transitioned from rugby league to rugby union. Crichton will reunite with Suaalii at the Waratahs.