By Charlie Elliott
In Australia’s recent win against England at Allianz Stadium, there was one name that stood out in terms of rugby union careers.
It was that of centre Joseph Sua’ali’i, who made the switch from league in a move that was announced in March 2023, starting from 2025.
Sua’ali’i had never played a competitive professional union match before this game and did not look out of place at all against very high-profile opposition in England.
There was another former league player who performed well in this game, with fullback Tom Wright also excelling.
Wright made the switch in 2019 following a spell at Manly Sea Eagles. Often back players find it easier to switch, but there have been instances of forwards doing well in both.
The Rugby Paper look at five of the most successful switches from league to union in rugby history.
Sonny Bill Williams
Clearly a man of immense sporting talent, with the now-retired Sonny Bill Williams plying his trade as a 9-1 record professional boxer.
The former second-row in league and centre in union player interchanged between the two with ease, having switched four times in his career.
Sonny Bill was successful in both, having made over 100 NRL and professional union appearances, and representing his country of New Zealand in both.
At the time of his first switch, from Bulldogs to Toulon, the move was seen as a massive betrayal of New Zealand rugby league.
Williams also dabbled in sevens at the national level, and his versatility in codes goes to show why he is possibly the best dual-code player of all time, but the rest of this list will have something to say about that.
Lote Tuqiri
A winger in both codes, Lote Tuqiri was a player who found more success in rugby league, but was also someone who showed what he could do, especially for the Waratahs in Super Rugby.
A man who played league at the international level for Fiji and Australia, and union for the latter, Tuqiri was Australia’s only try scorer in the 2003 World Cup final, which England fans will remember for obvious reasons.
League would ultimately be where he would end his career, with his last moment before retirement helping South Sydney to an NRL title.
Brad Thorn
A second-row in league who switched to lock in union, Brad Thorn is always in the conversation when it comes to the best players who have crossed codes.
200 appearances for Brisbane Broncos and 171 union games at some giants, like Leinster, Leicester Tigers, Crusaders and Canterbury speaks for itself.
Despite only moving to Union when he was 26, Thorn was the first player to win a World Cup, a Super Rugby title and the Heineken Cup.
The longevity of his career is what sets him apart from many players, having played into his forties.
Chris Ashton
Chris Ashton scored what is widely regarded as the greatest try in history, running over 90 metres against Australia at Twickenham.
Despite providing one of the greatest moments to England fans who were able to witness it, Ashton started off in rugby league, playing for his hometown club, Wigan Warriors.
A winger or fullback in both codes, him scoring a try with his first touch for Northampton Saints was a sign of things to come, with an impressive Premiership and Top 14 career that lasted 16 years.
A lot of what made him a quality union player came from league, with his support play often being credited as being a result of his league background.
Jason Robinson
Five Lions appearances and an OBE show just how much of a trailblazer and inspirational figure Jason Robinson is.
A winger and full back for both codes, and occasionally being used as centre in union, Robinson had more success in League, making over 300 appearances for Wigan Warriors.
His ability to beat defenders paid dividends, and 159 Sale Sharks appearances, including winning the Premiership for the first and only time to date.
A legend of North-West and English rugby, Robinson is truly a story of never giving up and goes down as one of the great dual-code players.
READ MORE: Autumn Nations Series Team of the Week: Joseph Sua’ali’i bursts onto the scene
