Save articles for later
Add articles to your saved list and come back to them any time.
In the aftermath of the Wallabies’ humiliating exit from the World Cup, Rugby Australia have sent a two-year, $1.6 million offer to lure NRL star Angus Crichton to the 15-man game.
Rugby Australia officials on Wednesday sent an offer to Crichton’s management which detailed a package deal between the governing body and Super Rugby franchise the Western Force. The deal is for 2024 and 2025.
The move comes amid criticism of Rugby Australia after a disastrous World Cup campaign and this masthead’s revelation that coach Eddie Jones conducted an interview with Japanese Rugby just days before the start of the tournament.
Crichton was overnight on a plane to France to watch friends play at the Rugby World Cup and isn’t due back until the end of October.
He is contracted with the Sydney Roosters until the end of 2024 on a deal worth about $675,000 in the NRL, but has been given the club’s blessing to explore a future in the game where he made a name for himself in high school.
The Roosters are trying to upgrade and extend boom rookie Siua Wong and impressive front-rower Terrell May. Crichton’s departure would help the club’s chances of keeping the duo.
Angus Crichton could be off to rugby union next year.Credit: Getty
As a former Australian schoolboys and first XV star at prestigious Sydney private school Scots College, Crichton’s name has long been linked with a return to the 15-man game.
After landing the prized signature of Joseph Suaalii earlier in the year, RA chairman Hamish McLennan was vocal in identifying Crichton and South Sydney captain Cameron Murray as future targets.
After missing out on Murray, who has re-signed with the Rabbitohs until 2028, McLennan is working hard behind the scenes to secure Crichton’s offer.
The Rugby League World Cup winner is said to be reviewing the offer, with RA waiting for an answer.
Crichton’s Roosters teammate Joseph Suaalii has already signed a monster deal with Rugby Australia.Credit: Getty
Crichton is still contracted at the Roosters next year, but there is a chance he may be released and would be free to join rugby in 2024 should he wish to.
The surprising element to the deal is it would see Crichton head west and play for the Western Force in Super Rugby Pacific.
The Force, under coach Simon Cron, are building a strong roster, with Wallabies halfback Nic White and five-eighth Ben Donaldson heading to Western Australia next year for a fresh start.
It would be a big move for Crichton, who grew up in country NSW and went to school in Sydney. He has played all of his professional career in the Harbour City.
However, the bigger talking point for rugby fans to accept is that game’s decision makers are splashing more money at a cross-code star when the Wallabies’ World Cup woes have prompted cries for investment in grassroots and pathways programs.
McLennan declined to comment.
Crichton’s offer is believed to be worth about $800,000 per season but RA sources say they are not 100 per cent certain they will get their man.
After spending a reported $1.6 million per year to get Suaalii to switch codes from 2025 onwards, the news will certainly raise eyebrows.
RA will conduct a review into the Wallabies after their dismal World Cup campaign that is likely to see the men in gold exit in the pool stages.
Watch all the action from Rugby World Cup 2023 on the Home of Rugby, Stan Sport. Every match streaming ad-free, live and in 4K UHD with replays, mini matches and highlights available on demand.
Sports news, results and expert commentary. Sign up for our Sport newsletter.
Most Viewed in Sport
From our partners
Source: Read Full Article