The Australian Rugby Union made the announcement after Rogers had told his team-mates and officials at the Sharks on Monday.

It is the second high-profile defection from rugby league in 2001, following Wendell Sailor's decision to move from the Brisbane Broncos.

The 25-year-old Rogers said he will play out the season in the National Rugby League, when he returns from a shoulder reconstruction injury in seven weeks.

He is then expected to join the New South Wales Waratahs to launch his rugby union career.

Rogers received a late approach from rival NRL club the Bulldogs, but said he never considered playing with another rugby league club.

"I love this place (Cronulla Sharks)," he said.

"But even if Cronulla had offered me the same amount I would have made the same decision. It's not about money, I just want to play rugby."

Rogers revealed recently he was frustrated playing on the wing for the Sharks, but said he had received no assurances about where he would play in rugby.

"I'm not guaranteed any position - if I end up back on the wing, so be it," he added.

"I am just really excited about the opportunity to play rugby union.

"This is something I really want to do. That's where my heart is."