NRL star Angus Crichton will switch to rugby with the NSW Waratahs in 2027, hoping to fulfill a lifelong dream of playing for the Wallabies. The Roosters forward announced the move on tuesday, expressing his excitement about returning to the sport he played as a child.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be returning to the sport I played throughout my childhood,” Crichton said. ”Growing up in Young, I have great memories driving up on buses to Canberra with the other farmers and thier 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.”
Crichton emphasized his commitment to the Roosters for the remainder of the current season. “I’m in a position in 2027 to pursue that dream and I would like to thank Rugby Australia and the Waratahs for the chance, while also acknowledging and showing gratitude for the splendid 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 teammates and family at the Roosters.”
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh welcomed Crichton’s decision. “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.”
Crichton’s move follows a recent trend of league players crossing over to rugby. Former Roosters teammate Joseph suaalii made a high-profile switch to rugby in 2024, and another teammate, Mark Nawaqanitawase, signed a deal to play in Japan in 2027, both with aspirations of representing the Wallabies at the world Cup.
