The Western Force has secured a significant coup with the signing of former NRL star Zac Lomax on a two-year deal, a move that signals his ambition to compete on the “truly international stage” and potentially earn a coveted Wallabies jersey for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, hosted on home soil.
This recruitment marks another win for Rugby Australia (RA), following a string of high-profile code switches. Lomax joins the likes of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and Angus Crichton in transitioning to rugby union, all with an eye on representing the Wallabies at the pinnacle of the sport. The precedent was set earlier with Wallabies playmaker Carter Gordon also granted an early release from the Gold Coast Titans to return to rugby.
The Journey West: Lomax’s Code Switch
Reports of Lomax’s imminent move to rugby had been circulating, with RA and the Western Force officially confirming the signing on Monday. The discussions leading to this agreement had been brewing since late last year, when Lomax visited the Force’s headquarters with his partner. A crucial meeting with RA chief executive Phil Waugh in Sydney last week appears to have solidified the deal.
With Lomax unable to return to the NRL until 2028 due to a settlement between his former club Parramatta and Melbourne, the prospect of a code switch became increasingly attractive, especially with the 2027 Rugby World Cup looming large. The contract was finalised over the weekend, with an agreement reached late Sunday night.
A Strategic Move for Lomax and the Force
Western 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. Lomax himself expressed his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to join the Western Force and make the switch to rugby union.
“This is a huge opportunity and a challenge I’m really looking forward to embracing,” Lomax stated in a press release. “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 is set to run until the end of 2027 and includes a top-up payment from RA. If his Super Rugby form is deemed worthy of selection, he could be in line for a Wallabies debut as early as July 4, when Australia hosts Ireland in Sydney. His anticipated debut for the Force is expected to be against the Chiefs in Perth on March 28, with the team having a bye in round six.
Impact on the NRL and Rugby Australia’s Strategy
The departure of Lomax represents a significant blow to the NRL, which has seen another representative player switch codes. Lomax’s explicit mention of opportunities on a “truly international stage” will likely do little to ease the ongoing tensions between the two sporting codes.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo acknowledged the protracted contract saga that enveloped Lomax, Parramatta, and Melbourne throughout the summer. He expressed that the NRL would welcome Lomax’s 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. “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 scheduled to address the media on Tuesday, where he is expected to discuss the turbulent conclusion to his time at Parramatta, which followed his pursuit of a release to join the now-postponed R360 rugby competition.
A Full-Circle Moment for Phil Waugh
The signing of Lomax holds a particular significance for Phil Waugh, RA’s chief executive, who played a key role in orchestrating the deal. Waugh was part of the Wallabies squad that reached the 2003 World Cup final, a team that also featured prominent league converts such as Lote Tuqiri, Wendell Sailor, and Mat Rogers.
“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,” Waugh stated. “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 at the Force
While the Western Force would have ideally had Lomax for their pre-season, the club is nonetheless thrilled to have secured his services mid-season. Coach Simon Cron is considering deploying Lomax on the wing or at fullback, leveraging his aerial prowess. He also indicated that a move to outside centre could be on the cards once Lomax becomes more accustomed to rugby union’s defensive intricacies.
“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. 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.”
Support from Fellow Code Converts
Angus Crichton, who is also transitioning from the NRL to rugby union with the Waratahs, welcomed the news that he would be joined by another former NRL star.
“It will be good for him,” Crichton commented. “He made his bed and had to lay in it [with R360’s 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 added that while he hadn’t discussed rugby with Lomax during their Origin camps, he had kept in touch. “I’ve checked in on him and messaged him the other day when all the [contract] stuff went down. 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.”
