Crawford has been released from the final year of his Brumbies contract and he will link with the NSW Waratahs next season.

The Waratahs were so keen to sign him they began their pursuit just three rounds into the Super Rugby season.

And after waiting behind a strong contingent of Brumbies outside backs - including Joseph Tomane, Henry Speight, Jesse Mogg, Robbie Coleman and Tevita Kuridrani - Crawford decided it was time to move on.

But in a twist, Crawford could be training in Canberra until the end of September despite linking with the Brumbies' arch-rivals.

Crawford will meet with Brumbies coach Jake White next week to finalise his early release.

He is keen to return to Sydney and play with Norths in the club competition.

But his deal with the Brumbies doesn't expire until September and he is unsure whether he will be allowed to leave the program early.

It's unlikely White will keep Crawford in Canberra given the 23-year-old will be lining up against the Brumbies next year.

''But I don't have a problem if that's what the Brumbies want me to do, I don't think the players would either because they all understand why I'm leaving - opportunity,'' he said. ''I would find it a bit strange if they would want me to train because they will be preparing for next year.

''But until I've met with Jake I don't know what they want me to do.''

Crawford's departure opens up one more roster spot for the Brumbies next year.

White had just one free spot in his top 30 and he was waiting for star flanker David Pocock to decide if he wanted to move to Canberra.

Crawford played just two games for the Brumbies - his first against Wales and his second from the bench against the Western Force.