Zac Lomax of the Eels celebrates scoring a try during the round 19 NRL match between Parramatta Eels and Penrith Panthers at CommBank Stadium on July 13, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)
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Rugby Australia has today announced that NRL star and New South Wales Origin winger Zac Lomax has signed a two-year deal with the Western Force and Rugby Australia, ahead of a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Lomax, who has been a hot topic in the 13-man code since the end of the 2025 season, failed to sign a deal with either the Melbourne Storm or the Parramatta Eels, leaving a number of question marks on the 26-year-old’s future.
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Lomax will join Simon Cron’s Super Rugby Pacific side during their 2026 campaign, before pushing for selection for Les Kiss’ Wallabies side later on this year.
The former Chiefs and Wallabies head coach will now take charge of the All Blacks until the end of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, on a short-term deal with only just over 18 months until the pinnacle event.
Lomax follows the likes of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Mark Nawaqanitawase, and Angus Crichton to make the switch from the NRL to Rugby Union, showcasing the pull of a World Cup on home soil.
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The goal-kicking winger made three appearances for the Kangaroos in 2024, while representing New South Wales a number of times from 2024 through to 2025.
Lomax said he’s looking forward to what comes next with the Western Force and the challenge that lies ahead in Test rugby, if he were to be selected.
“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 said.
“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.”
The Waratahs have confirmed that Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will miss up to eight weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the warm-up before Friday night’s clash with the Hurricanes at Allianz Stadium.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh explained that Lomax’s skillset and motivation will add something to the Force, and potentially the Wallabies.
“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 said.
“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 and Zac now has the opportunity to make a strong impression in Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific and push for higher honours as we approach a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.”
Cron, who will gain the services of the winger ahead of their round seven clash against the Chiefs, said that Lomax’s enthusiasm was evident early on in discussions.
“Zac and Kayla came to Perth late last year and we spent some time together talking about the Force and how we want to play,” Cron added.
“He has remained in contact during the process and has always been extremely enthusiastic about the opportunity of joining the players who have chosen Perth as their home.
“Anyone who has seen Zac play knows what he will add. Combine that with his drive and professionalism and I have no doubt he will be extremely successful.
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Bazzallina 183 days ago
I can see him as a Mat Rodger’s type utility player being left footed helps his cause
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JW 183 days ago
Big upgrade, won’t need to select Bridge now.
u
unknown 183 days ago
This bloke is TROUBLE
S
Stephen11 184 days ago
He's a good player but I can't see him walking into the Wallabies unless he has an exceptional SR season. Assuming he won't have the rugby knowledge to play fullback at test level, he'll need to earn a spot on the wing. Jorgensen is a certain starter. Is he more physical than Pietsch? A better all around player than Potter? A better finisher than Lancaster? Faster than Toole? More explosive and creative than Nawaqanitawase? He'll need to find his strengths quickly and be very consistent to have a chance.
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PB 184 days ago
Not exactly a shock.What choice did he have seeing he can’t play NRL until 2028.I am sure he doesn’t want to waste 2 years of his peak sporting life.
Only other possibility was overseas rugby,but probably would not attract the big money due to lack of rugby experience.
S
SB 184 days ago
His earnings have plummeted since the Dragons, let’s see if he can make the Wallabies.
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