Angus Crichton Confirms Code Switch: Roosters Star to Chase Wallabies Dream

Angus Crichton is leaving the NRL. Confirmed.

The Sydney Roosters back-rower has signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs. The 29-year-old will play out the 2026 NRL season, then make the switch — with one clear target: Wallabies selection for the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil.

Crichton follows Joseph Suaalii and Joey Manu out of the Roosters and into union. The exodus of NRL talent to the 15-a-side code is now a full-blown trend, and it is only accelerating with the home World Cup on the horizon.

Childhood Dream

Crichton played rugby union as a junior before switching to league. This is a return to his roots.

“It is incredibly exciting to be returning to the sport I played throughout my childhood,” Crichton said. “If I do not do it now, I know I will regret it. The World Cup is in Australia in 2027, and that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

State of Origin representative. Green and gold in rugby league. His athleticism, physicality, and defensive intensity are understood to translate directly to the breakdown and loose forward roles in union.

One Final NRL Season

Crichton is all-in on the Roosters for 2026 before the code switch kicks in. The club is a genuine premiership contender, and he wants to go out on top.

“The Roosters have been my home for the best years of my career, and I owe it to my teammates and the fans to give this season everything,” he said. “There will be time for rugby union after that. Right now, my focus is entirely on winning a premiership.”

Impact on Both Codes

Rugby Australia continues to recruit aggressively from the NRL ahead of the home World Cup. Crichton’s signing adds another weapon to a Waratahs squad being built with 2027 in mind.

For the NRL, the player drain to union is a real problem. The financial gap between the codes means it will not become a flood — but the quality of the players leaving is the concern. These are not fringe players. These are stars.

The Roosters open their 2026 campaign in round two after a first-round bye. Stay across all the latest at the Australia Football news page.

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LF — Breaking news correspondent, australiafootball.com