Angus Crichton is in the frame to play inside centre for the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup after confirming a bombshell code switch from the Sydney Roosters.
The NRL premiership winner will leave the Roosters after 2026, having agreed to a one-year deal with Rugby Australia that includes an option for a second season.
Crichton, a former schoolboy rugby star, is also thought to be open to overseas rugby offers beyond his RA deal, which could mean a move to Europe or Japan.
Before then, he will play for Super Rugby Pacific franchise the NSW Waratahs and is in consideration for Wallabies selection at the home World Cup next year.
"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," Crichton said in a statement.
"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."
Predominantly a second-rower in the NRL, 29-year-old Crichton is tipped to become an inside centre in the 15-man code.
Hunter Paisami and Len Ikitau shared that role in last year's Wallabies Test matches and will also come into World Cup selection calculations next year.
Crichton will follow teammate Mark Nawaqanitawase out the Roosters' door after 2026, with the star winger expected to join Japan's top rugby union competition next year.
A graduate of famous Sydney rugby school Scots College, Crichton has been linked with a code switch throughout his 198-game NRL career, notably when last coming out of contract in 2024.
Crichton ultimately signed a new two-year deal with the Tricolours, but had remained open to exploring his options in rugby after 2026.
He will reunite with former Roosters teammate Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii at the Tahs following the young gun's highly publicised move in 2024.
Crichton won the 2019 premiership in his first NRL season at the Roosters, having debuted with rivals South Sydney three seasons earlier.
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.
