Sydney Rooster Angus Crichton is jumping rugby codes after he confirmed his return to rugby union in 2027 by signing with the NSW Waratahs and Rugby Australia.
The news was confirmed by Rugby Australia on its website and follows recent media speculation that he would switch.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be returning to the sport I played throughout my childhood,” Crichton, 29, says.
“Growing up in Young (NSW), I have great memories driving on buses to Canberra with other farmers and their families for the Tahs-Brumbies game every year.
“I grew up with a Wallabies jersey and poster on the wall and my dream was to one day represent them,” the former Australian Schoolboy (rugby union) turned Kangaroo (rugby league) player told rugby.com.au.
“I’m in a position in 2027 to pursue that dream. I am pleased to have confirmed my plans for beyond this season and look forward to fully focusing on the campaign ahead at the Roosters.”
CRICHTON WELCOMED
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh says it is a “thrill” to announce the NRL backrower’s return to rugby ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
“Angus excelled as a rugby player through the schoolboy and junior ranks. We believe he will make a strong contribution to the performance and culture of Australian rugby,” he says.
“Signing 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,” Rugby Australia’s High Performance Director Peter Horne believes.
“Angus has a deep connection with rugby union as a former Australian Schoolboys representative and has consistently played at the highest level in league.”
Waratahs head coach Dan McKellar says they are “pleased” to add Crichton to their 2027 playing roster.
“He’s the ultimate professional who will bring a high level of physicality and edge to the group.
“With his rugby union background, I’m sure he’ll be able to adapt quickly and will be raring to go when he arrives.”
PLAYING BACKGROUND
In First XV (school) rugby, he played as a centre for Scots College and made the Australian Schoolboys side in 2014.
Crichton then signed for the South Sydney Rabbitohs in the NRL and has played 198 first grade club games and 17 for NSW in State of Origin before making his Kangaroos debut in 2022; he also won the Wally Lewis and Brad Fittler medals in 2024 as Origin Man of the Match.
OTHER RUGBY NEWS
- The 2026 Super Rugby pre-season kicks off tomorrow (January 23) in Perth when the Western Force host Queensland, then continues next weekend.
- The Roosters will also lose Waratahs recruit Mark Nawaqanitawase to a Japanese rugby club after he signed a reported $2m two-year deal.
- Waratahs lock Miles Amatosero is reportedly facing a ban over a training fight that left new team-mate Angus Scott-Young with a fractured eye socket. Rugby Australia is said to be investigating the incident which will see Scott-Young miss tomorrow’s pre-season game in Perth: Scott-Young, a former Queensland player, joined the team from UK side Northampton.
MORE RUGBY NEWS: 2027 World Cup pool draws released
