NRL star Angus Crichton confirms bombshell code switch ahead of 2027 Rugby World Cup

Angus Crichton has agreed to a bombshell code switch in a bid to play for the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

The Sydney Roosters, Kangaroos and NSW star will play in the NRL in 2026 before taking up a two-year deal with Rugby Australia from 2027.

Crichton was a schoolboys rugby star and many of his best friends are in the 15-man game.

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RA and the NSW Waratahs confirmed the deal on Wednesday.

Crichton is being viewed as an inside centre or loose forward in rugby.

"It's incredibly exciting to be returning to the sport I played throughout my childhood," he said.

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"Growing up in Young, I have great memories driving up on buses to Canberra with the other farmers and their 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.

"I'm in a position in 2027 to pursue that dream and I would like to thank Rugby Australia and the Waratahs for the opportunity, while also acknowledging and showing gratitude for the wonderful 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."

He also shared an emotional Instagram post confirming his departure and thanking the Roosters for his seven years at the club, which included two premiership victories.

Crichton will follow fellow Roosters guns Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Joseph Manu in switching to rugby.

"We are thrilled to be bringing Angus back to rugby ahead of a momentous 2027 season, highlighted by a once-in-a-generation home Rugby World Cup," RA chief Executive Phil Waugh said.

"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.

"He has developed into an elite talent and leader in rugby league and now has the opportunity to showcase his talent on the unique global platform that rugby provides."

A graduate of The Scots College, Crichton was a member of the school's GPS championship-winning teams in 2013 and 2014 and earned Australian Schoolboys selection both years, playing alongside top-level talent including Waratah Andrew Kellaway.

"The signing of Angus is an important step as we continue to build depth across Australia's Super Rugby Pacific squads and ensure internal competition for national selection," RA director of high performance Peter Horne said.

"Angus has a deep connection with rugby union as a former Australian Schoolboys representative and has consistently played at the highest level in league.

"We're looking forward to bringing him back to rugby and introducing his unique experiences and skillset into our environment from next season."

Crichton has enjoyed a highly-successful decade in the NRL with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Roosters.

"We're pleased to add someone of Angus' calibre to the Waratahs for 2027," NSW coach Dan McKellar said.

"He's the ultimate professional who will bring a high level of physicality and edge to the group.

"With his rugby union background, I'm sure he'll be able to adapt quickly and will be raring to go when he arrives."