Zac Lomax Switches Codes, Joins Western Force in Rugby Australia Deal
In a significant move that has surprised many and marks a departure from the NRL landscape, Zac Lomax has officially signed with Rugby Australia, inking a deal that will see him play for the Western Force over the next two seasons. This development represents a scenario that Australian Rugby League Commission chairman Peter V’landys had explicitly hoped to avoid.
Lomax’s NRL future was previously held by the Parramatta Eels, who held the rights to him until 2028. This situation arose after Lomax made the decision to break his existing contract with the club in an attempt to join the now-defunct R360 project. When R360 ultimately collapsed, Lomax found himself in a state of uncertainty. The Eels retained the ultimate authority over whether they would permit Lomax to join another NRL club before his contract expired. However, a potential move to the Melbourne Storm also failed to materialise.
Despite the Eels’ stated willingness to negotiate a deal with any NRL club interested in Lomax, the talented player has now made a decisive shift, opting to switch sporting codes entirely. The Western Force confirmed the signing on Monday, announcing that Lomax has committed to Rugby Australia until the end of 2027, with his playing duties based in Western Australia.
This move opens up a significant possibility for Lomax: he could be in contention for selection in the Wallabies squad for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which is set to be hosted in Australia. Lomax was observed at Rugby Australia headquarters just last week, and his code switch has now been officially finalised.
Speaking about his decision, Lomax expressed his long-held aspirations. “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,” Lomax stated. “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.”
V’landys’ Hopes for Lomax to Remain in NRL
Peter V’landys had been vocal about his preference for Lomax to continue his career within the NRL. It was understood that V’landys would have been amenable to the Eels facilitating a move to the Melbourne Storm, should an agreement have been reached.
“It’s always been my view to keep our best players. Zac is a marquee player. He’s an extraordinary player,” V’landys had previously commented. He also acknowledged the human element of the situation, adding, “One thing people have forgotten here and it’s a little bit sad, is that he’s also a human being. Yes, he tried to look at another deal and why would anyone knock a bloke that’s trying to do the best for himself? I’m an old-fashioned guy, where I believe a contract should be honoured. You sign a contract, you should honour it. But at the same time, I can see he’s a young guy that’s going to try to set himself up for life, and he looks at all opportunities.”
A Growing Wave of NRL Talent in Rugby Union
Lomax is not the only high-profile NRL player making the switch to rugby union. He will soon be joined by Sydney Roosters teammates Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase, both of whom are slated to transition to rugby in 2027. Furthermore, Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i is already making his mark with the NSW Waratahs. The potential for all four of these former NRL stars to feature for the Wallabies at next year’s Rugby World Cup is a tantalising prospect for rugby union fans.
Last week, Sua’ali’i spoke positively about Lomax’s potential in the 15-man game. “You’ve seen what he’s done in league. If the opportunity for him to come across, I think a lot of rugby people would love for him to come across,” Sua’ali’i remarked. “I’m not sure what he’s going to do, but he can definitely play the game, I believe.”
The recruitment of Lomax by Rugby Australia and the Western Force signifies a strategic push to bolster the Wallabies’ prospects, particularly with the Rugby World Cup on home soil on the horizon. His skill set and experience from the NRL are expected to provide a significant boost to the Western Force and potentially the national team.
