Australia's rugby union program has secured a major coup, signing NRL star Angus Crichton for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. The 29-year-old Sydney Roosters forward, a Kangaroos veteran, will join the Waratahs in 2027. He scored twice in the Ashes clean sweep and previously played schoolboy union.

This move continues Australia's strategic cross-code recruitment ahead of the home tournament. Crichton follows Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Carter Gordon back to union. His experience as a powerful gainline carrier could bolster the Wallabies' midfield, where he played as a teenager before committing to league.

Crichton called it an "incredibly exciting" chance to pursue a lifelong Wallabies dream. With Australia pooled with New Zealand, Chile, and Hong Kong, his addition strengthens a squad aiming for a deep run. The Wallabies could face England in the quarterfinals, adding extra motivation.