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Star Rooster set to leave NRL for rugby union
Jasper Bruce, AAP •  January 21st, 2026 1:34 pm
Angus Crichton looks set to walk out on the Roosters and return to rugby union | Photo: Steven Markham/AAP
Angus Crichton will leave the Sydney Roosters after the NRL season for rugby union and a chance to play at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
It is understood Crichton has signed a one-year deal with Rugby Australia that includes an option for a second season in 2028.
The 29-year-old is also thought to be open to fielding overseas rugby offers beyond his RA deal, which could mean a move to Europe or Japan.
Crichton is set to play for Super Rugby Pacific franchise the NSW Waratahs and would be in the frame for Wallabies selection at the home World Cup next year.
Talented Rooster Angus Crichton is eyeing a move back to the 15-man game with a World Cup looming | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
Crichton, once a schoolboy rugby star, is in the last season of his Roosters contract and will follow teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase out the door to the 15-man code.
Superstar winger Nawaqanitawase is expected to join Japan's top rugby league after the final season of his Roosters deal this year.
Rugby Australia is set to formally announce Crichton's arrival this week.
Crichton has been linked with moves to rugby union throughout his 198-game NRL career, notably when last coming out of contract in 2024.
He ultimately signed a new two-year deal with the Tricolours, but had remained open to a future code switch.
Crichton will reunite with former Roosters teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at the Tahs following the young gun's highly publicised move in 2024.
A graduate of famous Sydney rugby school Scots College, Crichton won the 2019 premiership in his first NRL season at the Roosters, having debuted with rivals South Sydney three seasons earlier.
Luke Keary, Boyd Cordner and Angus Crichton celebrate the Roosters' 2019 NRL premiership | Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP
At his peak, Crichton has been one of the NRL's most damaging second-rowers, enjoying a particularly strong 2024 that landed him back in the NSW State of Origin team.
Crichton won both the Brad Fittler Medal as the Blues' best player and the Dally M second-rower of the year award that season, his first full campaign after a mental health break delayed his start to 2023.
He has played 17 games for NSW and 11 for Australia, including the victorious final of the 2022 World Cup.
Daly Cherry-Evans, Siua Wong and Daniel Tupou are other high-profile Roosters players off contract after this season.
