Angus Crichton Joins NSW Waratahs for 2027 World Cup

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.