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There is something undeniably romantic about a homecoming. For the NSW Waratahs and Australian Rugby, the confirmation yesterday that Angus Crichton is trading the Tricolours for the sky blue in 2027 feels less like a new signing and more like the return of a long-lost family member.
After a decade dominating the NRL, the 29-year-old backrower has officially put pen to paper on a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Waratahs. For those of us who remember Crichton tearing up the GPS competition for Scots College in 2013 and 2014, this move has always felt like a matter of when and not if. He was a schoolboy prodigy, a raw talent who seemed destined for a Wallabies jersey before the allure of the NRL proved too strong. Now, with the wisdom of an elite professional career behind him, he’s coming back to finish what he started.
“ “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,” Crichton said.
For Crichton, the connection to the Waratahs isn't just professional; it's deeply personal, rooted in those long country drives from his family home in Young. “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,” he reminisced.
“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.”
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh didn't hide his enthusiasm about securing a player of Crichton's calibre for the marquee year of 2027.
“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,” 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.”
Waratahs coach Dan McKellar was equally excited about Crichton linking up with with former Roosters and NSW Origin teammate Joseph-Aukuso Sua'ali'i.
"He's the ultimate professional who will bring a high level of physicality and edge to the group," McKellar noted. “With his rugby union background, I'm sure he'll be able to adapt quickly and will be raring to go when he arrives,” McKellar said.
Rugby Australia's Director of High Performance, Peter Horne, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the unique blend of skills Crichton brings from his time in the 13-man code.
“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,” Horne said. “We're looking forward to bringing him back to rugby and introducing his unique experiences and skillset into our environment from next season.”
Crichton was quick to pay his respects to his current club, the Roosters, ensuring he leaves on good terms before his code switch takes effect in 2027.
“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,” Crichton added.
“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.”