What Eddie Jones makes of Angus Crichton’s rugby switch
The man who first tried to sign Angus Crichton to Rugby Australia is very confident the Sydney Roosters back rower will be an instant success.
Eddie Jones was the Wallabies coach when there was first talk of switching codes to Crichton in 2023, but negotiations dragged on for months and eventually collapsed.
Crichton’s manager David Rawlings described the process with Rugby Australia at the time as “bad business”.
Crichton signed a two-year, $1.6 million deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs this week. When Jones first reached out there was a similar amount deal but Crichton would play domestically with the Western Force.
Jones has since taken over coaching duties in Japan and welcomed the chance to potentially face Crichton and the Wallabies at next year’s World Cup.
“The rule for me has always been: ‘If you can play State of Origin, you can play Test rugby.’ Angus is a thorough State of Origin player, so he will do well in Test rugby,” Jones said.
Eddie Jones joined Manly coach Anthony Seibold for Friday’s friendly against St George Illawarra.Credit: Max Mason-Hubers
“The important thing will be to settle into a position quickly, then they need to coach him really well. Coaching league players [is really important].
“I think number 12 is the right position for him. He’s a very strong guy, he’ll have to be a little sharper on his feet but he can do that.”
