Rugby Australia Secures Former NRL Star Zac Lomax in Major Recruitment Coup
Rugby Australia (RA) has landed a significant recruitment coup with the signing of former NRL star Zac Lomax on a two-year deal with the Western Force. This move signals a clear ambition for Lomax to potentially feature for the Wallabies on the international stage, with the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil a tantalising prospect.
The acquisition of Lomax follows a pattern of high-profile NRL players making the switch to rugby union, including Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and Angus Crichton. Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon also made a code switch last year, granted an early release from the Gold Coast Titans to return to the 15-man game.
This masthead previously reported on Lomax’s impending move to rugby, with RA and the Western Force officially confirming the signing on Monday. Discussions between Lomax and RA had been underway since late last year, with a preliminary visit to the Force’s headquarters with his partner sparking initial interest.
A crucial factor in finalising the deal was Lomax’s inability to return to the NRL until 2028, following a settlement between the Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm. This created an opening for rugby union to secure his services, with the agreement being finalised over the weekend and confirmed late Sunday night.
A Strategic Move West
Force coach Simon Cron was informed of the signing on Monday morning, having received a call from Lomax the previous week expressing his commitment to the move. With his NRL options drying up, the prospect of a code switch became increasingly attractive, particularly with the lure of a home World Cup on the horizon.
The NRL has undoubtedly suffered a blow with the departure of another representative player. Lomax’s own comments, highlighting the opportunity to compete on a “truly international stage,” are likely to intensify the ongoing rivalry between the two codes.
“I’m incredibly excited and thankful to be joining the Western Force after reaching an agreement with Rugby Australia to make the switch to rugby union,” Lomax stated in the official announcement.
“This is a huge opportunity and a challenge I’m really looking forward to embracing. Stepping into a new code will push me as a player and that’s something that genuinely motivates me. The chance to be part of what the Western Force are building and to test myself at the highest level of rugby union is something that really excites me. Like any player, the dream of one day representing the Wallabies on a truly international stage and potentially competing at a Rugby World Cup is a powerful motivation. I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started in Perth and begin this next chapter of my career.”
Lomax’s Contract and Potential Wallabies Debut
Lomax’s contract with the Western Force runs until the end of 2027 and includes a top-up payment from Rugby Australia. If his Super Rugby form is impressive enough, he could become eligible for Wallabies selection as early as July 4th, when Australia is scheduled to host Ireland in Sydney. His anticipated debut for the Force is against the Chiefs in Perth on March 28th, with the team having a bye in round six.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo acknowledged the protracted contract saga that surrounded Lomax and expressed hope for his eventual return to rugby league. “The door is never going to be closed to Zac, and maybe we might see him playing rugby league again,” Abdo commented. He also highlighted the need for the NRL to learn from the drawn-out process, stating, “Looking back, this was a drawn out affair which the fans didn’t like so we need to look at that and think about what we can learn from this, what we can do better. But ultimately, hopefully we see Zac playing rugby league at some point in the future.”
The 26-year-old is expected to address the media, where he will likely be questioned about the turbulent conclusion to his time at Parramatta after seeking a release to join a proposed rival rugby competition.
A Full-Circle Moment for Phil Waugh
The signing represents a full-circle moment for RA chief executive Phil Waugh, who was instrumental in orchestrating the deal. Waugh himself was part of the Wallabies squad that reached the 2003 Rugby World Cup final, a team that famously included several high-profile league converts such as Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor, and Mat Rogers.
In a statement, Waugh expressed his confidence in Lomax’s potential: “Zac is a superb athlete with a proven track record at representative level in rugby league and we believe he has the talent and drive to make a successful transition to rugby. Zac brings a unique set of experiences and skills to our environment and is motivated by the challenge of competing on the global stage. We have entered an incredibly exciting period for Australian rugby.”
Cron’s Vision for Lomax
While the ideal scenario would have seen Lomax participating in the Force’s pre-season, the club is delighted to have secured his services mid-season. Coach Simon Cron is preparing to deploy Lomax primarily on the wing or at fullback, leveraging his strong aerial ability. However, Cron hasn’t ruled out a move to outside centre once Lomax becomes more accustomed to the defensive intricacies of rugby union.
“He’s very keen and has called me a lot in the last 24 hours,” Cron revealed. “He’s a really smart operator and he’s a well-educated player. With his high ball and kicking game, wing and fullback makes sense.”
Cron anticipates a positive reception from his teammates: “I think the boys will be really supportive. They’re a good tight group. They’ll like his personality type because he is driven and he’s a good man. He’s a big body, he’s fast, he’s strong and he loves the aerial battles. He’s got the raw talent and now our job is to help him with the game.”
Crichton Welcomes Another Code-Hopper
Angus Crichton, who is bound for the Waratahs, also welcomed the news of Lomax joining the rugby ranks. “It will be good for him,” Crichton commented. “He made his bed and had to lay in it [with the R360 start date pushed back to 2028], but as a friend, and [someone] who has played a fair few games with Zac, I’m happy he’s got a good result. He creates stuff around him [on the field]. The more depth union has, the better they’ll be.”
Crichton admitted he hadn’t discussed rugby with Lomax during their time together in Origin camps but had checked in on him during the contract drama. “It’s funny, I’ve been in those situations where everyone is talking about you, but not many people are talking to you. He’s in a good space. I’m really happy for him.”
