Australian Rugby Prospect Crichton Eyes World Cup After League Switch
BRISBANE, Australia – Talented Australian athlete Siosifa Talakai Crichton is setting his sights on representing the Wallabies at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, hosted on home soil, after recently transitioning from rugby league to rugby union. Crichton, currently playing with the Sydney Roosters, will join the 15-man code following the conclusion of his current season.
The move comes as the Wallabies seek to bolster their inside centre options. Current players Len Ikitau is on sabbatical with Exeter, and Hunter Paisami is evaluating his future. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has also transitioned to outside centre for the Waratahs, creating an opening for emerging talent like Crichton.
“When I made the switch, I didn’t really look back – I wanted to play for the Reds,” Crichton said. “That was my new goal and I sort of left league behind. I just enjoyed it, and I think it was something different from what I always knew playing league all the time.”
The competition for a spot in the Reds’ lineup is already heating up, with players like Pakeho eager to prove themselves. Pakeho, who represented the Junior Wallabies at the under-20 World Championships, believes Crichton’s arrival will only raise the level of play.
“I think it’s good competition, it keeps everyone on their toes and will make it more competitive and people more hungry for that spot,” Pakeho stated. “Definitely, of course, the Wallabies is always something I look towards…hopefully soon. I’m always aiming for that.”
Pakeho enjoyed a breakout season last year, earning Super Rugby’s Rookie of the Year award after 12 caps. He notably impressed in a match against the Auckland Blues, successfully containing All Blacks sensation Rieko Ioane, limiting him to just 24 running metres.
“I feel like it did [make me feel like I belonged at that level],” Pakeho said, reflecting on the match. “But at the same time, it was just another game to me. I really enjoyed myself that game – especially coming up against him, watching him on TV I wanted to be like him, so it was a pretty surreal moment.”
The addition of Crichton adds another layer of excitement to the Wallabies’ preparations for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, promising a fierce battle for selection and a renewed sense of optimism for Australian rugby fans.
