The Australian rugby landscape is seeing a shift as players explore opportunities across codes. Angus Crichton, a star second-rower for the Sydney Roosters, is set to transition to rugby union at the end of the current NRL season, aiming for a spot in the Wallabies squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup hosted on home soil. This move opens up opportunities for other players, including Reds player, Pakeho, who is eager to capitalize on the increased competition for a national team position.
Pakeho’s ambition is fueled by a desire to represent Australia on the international stage, particularly with the Rugby World Cup 2027 fast approaching. The tournament, set to be the first 24-team competition, will be held across seven Australian cities from October 1 to November 13, 2027, with the final taking place at Sydney’s Accor Stadium as confirmed by the BBC. The addition of players like Crichton, coupled with the current landscape of inside centre options for the Wallabies, creates a dynamic environment for aspiring players like Pakeho.
Competition for Wallabies Spots Intensifies
The Wallabies are currently evaluating their options at inside centre, with Len Ikitau currently on sabbatical playing for Exeter and Hunter Paisami considering his future. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii has also transitioned to outside centre for the Waratahs, adding another layer to the competition. Pakeho, who represented the Junior Wallabies at the under-20 World Championships, sees Crichton’s arrival as a positive catalyst.
“I think it [Crichton’s addition] is good competition, it keeps everyone on their toes and will make it more competitive and people more hungry for that spot,” Pakeho stated. He added, “Definitely, of course it [the Wallabies] is always something I seem towards, especially being next to Hunter and Flooky I think I could maybe be there one day too, and hopefully soon. I’m always aiming for that.”
Rookie of the Year Eyes National Team
Pakeho enjoyed a breakout debut season in Super Rugby last year, earning 12 caps and being named the competition’s Rookie of the Year. A standout performance against the Auckland Blues, where he played outside centre, highlighted his potential. During that match, which the Reds won 35-21, Pakeho ran for 58 metres, including a clean break, and made 14 tackles with zero misses, effectively containing All Blacks sensation Rieko Ioane.
Reflecting on that game, Pakeho said, “I feel like it did,” when asked if the performance validated his ability to compete at a high level. “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.”
Crichton’s decision to switch codes, as reported by Yahoo News Australia, stems from a long-held desire to play rugby union, his boyhood code. He expressed a clear focus on his new goal, stating, “When I made the switch, I didn’t really look back – I wanted to play for the Reds. 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 influx of talent and the competitive spirit within the Queensland Reds are setting the stage for an exciting period for Australian rugby. With the Rugby World Cup 2027 on the horizon, players like Pakeho are determined to seize every opportunity to prove their worth and earn a coveted spot in the Wallabies squad. The official Rugby World Cup 2027 website details the schedule and venues for the tournament, further fueling the ambition of aspiring players.
The coming months will be crucial for Pakeho as he continues to develop his game and compete for a starting position within the Reds. His performance, alongside that of other contenders like Paisami and Flook, will be closely watched by Wallabies selectors as they build towards the 2027 tournament.
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