Rugby Australia and the NSW Waratahs are pleased to confirm the signing of Angus Crichton on a two-year deal effective from 2027.
Crichton, a former Australian Schoolboys representative, will return to rugby union after a highly-successful decade in the NRL with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters, during which he attained state and international honours.
Crichton, 29, will join the Waratahs ahead of the 2027 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific season and compete for a place on the Wallabies squad ahead of the home Rugby World Cup later that year.
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.
New Rugby Australia signing Angus Crichton said: "It's incredibly exciting to be returning to the sport I played throughout my childhood.
"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 team mates and family at the Roosters."
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh said: "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.
"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."
Rugby Australia Director of High Performance Peter Horne said: "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.
"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."
Waratahs Head Coach Dan McKellar said: "We're pleased to add someone of Angus' calibre to the Waratahs for 2027.
"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."
