Angus Crichton to join NSW Waratahs in two-year deal with Rugby Australia ahead of 2027 World Cup

“It is incredibly exciting to return to the sport I played throughout my childhood,” Crichton said in a statement.

“Growing up in Young, I have wonderful memories of taking buses to Canberra every year for the Tahs-Brumbies game with other farmers and their families. It’s special to have the chance to wear the same Waratahs jersey as my favorite childhood rugby player, Lote Tuqiri. “I grew up with a Wallabies jersey and poster on the wall and my dream was to represent them one day.

“I am in a position to chase this dream in 2027 and I would like to thank Rugby Australia and the Waratahs for this opportunity, while also recognizing and expressing gratitude for the great career I have had in the NRL.

“I am pleased to confirm my plans beyond this season and look forward to focusing fully on next season at the Roosters with my teammates and family.”

RA CEO Phil Waugh said in a statement: “Angus has excelled as a rugby player among schoolboys and youth and we believe he will make a strong contribution to Australian rugby performance and culture.”

News of Crichton’s move follows the high-profile departure of former Roosters teammate Suaalii to rugby in 2024 and Tricolors teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase signing a deal to play rugby in Japan in 2027 and again with the aim of playing for the Wallabies at the World Cup.

Following the postponement of the R360 competition, the chances of Australian and NSW Origin teammate Lomax also signing with a Super Rugby club now look very slim.

The Force and the Brumbies made offers to Lomax, but RA chose not to offer a significant additional payment. Lomax is now pushing to stay in the NRL with the Melbourne Storm.

Waugh and Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt have repeatedly emphasized that they are primarily interested in players newly returning to the league who have significant rugby experience and can therefore adapt to the game quickly. Suaalii, Carter Gordon and Crichton all fit this mould.

Where Crichton is best suited to the rugby pitch will be an interesting talking point.

The 102kg forward has made a name for himself as a strong back-rower in rugby league with his powerful ball running and ability to offload on contact. These skills can transfer nicely to inside center in rugby, as seen when Sonny Bill Williams moved from back-rower to union midfielder in the league. Rugby coaches value strong runners at number 12 who cross the advantage line.

The Wallabies’ center duo is Len Ikitau and Suaalii, but Crichton, who wears the number 12 jersey, could potentially open up the option of Ikitau, who won a John Eales medal last year, reverting to his preferred number 13 jersey and Suaalii being deployed at full-back or on the wing, where his aerial skills could come to the fore.

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However, in rugby, the progression of league forwards towards the inside center is not always a smooth process. Rabbitohs prop Sam Burgess switched to rugby to play in the home World Cup in 2015, but was selected as England’s inside center after playing in the back row for the Bath club team.

Burgess played solidly but was made a scapegoat by English rugby after the home side failed to progress to the quarter-finals.

However, the option of Crichton playing as a ball-running winger or number 8 is also on the table. Some coaches place the back rower in a wider area, as in rugby league. But Crichton would also have to relearn technical skills and habits regarding formations, scrums, and constant confusing breakdowns.