Crichton to switch codes and chase Wallabies jersey for 2027 World Cup
January 21, 2026
Angus Crichton has signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs as he chases a spot at the 2027 World Cup, meaning the next NRL season will be the 29-year-old’s last with the Sydney Roosters for some time.
The Wallabies and Waratahs will consider Crichton as a midfield option, The Daily Telegraph has reported, in a move quite similar to other second row defectors like Sonny Bill Williams, Sam Burgess and Ben Te’o. Crichton played all across the park during his junior rugby days, though he settled into a six role during his time with the Australian Schoolboys.
Win $500 Cash In Our Free Giveaway Here
There’s every chance Crichton returns to the Roosters as soon as the 2028 season, though, with the 29-year-old signing a two-year deal that includes an option for the second year. That would mean Crichton could return after 2027.
Likely, the second rower would then simply re-sign with the Roosters for the following years.
That’s a similar structure to the deal Sydney has with Mark Nawaqanitawase once his rugby contract expires.
Are you reading on our app? Download now for the best Sporting Base experience.
Win $500 Cash In Our Free Giveaway Here
Crichton had originally come through playing footy in the Waratahs development system but switched to the NRL with a South Sydney Rabbitohs offer after he was told he wasn’t guaranteed a start in Super Rugby. He played 55 matches for the Bunnies before moving to Bondi in 2019 to play for the tricolours, where he’s made 143 appearances.
More NRL news
He must play:Â NRL to step in on Lomax stand-off; club chiefs ‘unanimous’ in opposition
‘Deliberately lowkey’: Dragons talk with Bula after Wests turmoil
While he missed the Roosters’ 2018 title due to when he moved, he was part of the championship team that went back-to-back in 2019. He’s been a Kangaroos mainstay since 2022, and has played 17 State of Origin clashes for New South Wales.
January 20, 2026
NRL to step in to resolve Lomax stand-off, even as club chiefs 'unanimous' in opposition
The NRL will be wading into the Parramatta vs Melbourne negotiating battle, with the game's administrators eager to have Zac Lomax playing in the competition in 2026 — even if it goes against the Read MoreJanuary 14, 2026
'Deliberately lowkey': Dragons held talks with Bula after Wests turmoil
The St George Illawarra Dragons may be hoping to use the civil war that exploded at the Wests Tigers late in 2025 as a chance to get themselves a fullback star for the future, with the joint venture Read MoreJanuary 13, 2026
Bennett tells clubs against NRL's kick-off changes to 'stop whingeing'
Wayne Bennett has spoken out strongly against the NRL clubs blocking a new kick-off rule change that would let the team scored against choose whether or not to receive the ball to restart the game, Read More
Tell Us What You Think Below