Zac Lomax on rugby switch: ‘It’s a mountain that I’m at the bottom of’

Zac Lomax reached great heights in rugby league as a representative winger for New South Wales and Australia, but now a new challenge awaits. The 26-year-old is gearing up for a fresh start with the Western Force and Rugby Australia, determined to climb the ranks once again.

Lomax fronted the press at Rugby Australia’s Headquarters on Tuesday, wearing the navy blue polo of the Force. It was announced on Monday that Lomax had put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Super Rugby Pacific side and Rugby Australia, effective immediately.

“Anyone that plays rugby union… that’s your highest honour,” Lomax said when asked about the prospect of representing the Wallabies on the international stage – with the appeal of wearing the gold jersey at a home World Cup another driving force.

But Lomax isn’t shying from the challenge or looking too far ahead. Rugby Australia’s latest signing is eager to “sink my teeth into the training” out west with the Force, joining a squad that includes the likes of 19-Test All Black George Bridge and 95-Test Wallaby Kurtley Beale.

“I’ve been in constant communication with [Simon Cron], the Force coach, and he’s been very good. He’s been very transparent with myself and my management in regards to where he sees me,” Lomax told reporters in Sydney.

“I think [his preference] is 15 or on the wing. For me, it’s just about becoming the best athlete and rugby union player that I can be and wherever that is, it’s anywhere in the backs… I just want to understand the game from all different aspects.

“I know it’s a mountain that I’m at the bottom of and I really want to climb and become the best rugby union player that I possibly can.”

Coach Cron and the Force are currently preparing for a blockbuster Friday night blockbuster against the Hurricanes at Napier’s McLean Park, which will be their fifth match of the Super Rugby Pacific season. It’ll be their last fixture before going on a bye as well.

The Force host the Chiefs on March 28 before making the trip east for an Australian derby against the Queensland Reds in Brisbane. While it’s still unknown when Lomax will debut in Force colours, the man himself is focused on building from the ground up in rugby.

“There’s obviously been a whole heap of scenarios that have come out, definitely hasn’t been ideal but at the same time, to be able to make a decision and move on from it is positive,” Lomax explained.

“My focus is, I’ve been able to make a decision now and I want to just be able to move on from it and I can’t wait to get over to Perth and become the best rugby union player that I possibly can.

“I know I’ve got a lot to learn, and that’s something that truly excites me, the growth in rugby union player that I could potentially become. I’ve put all my faith in Crony and the team over there at Western Force and I can’t wait to be apart of it.”

Lomax is the latest code-hopper to commit to the 15-player game, inking a deal about 18 months out from the World Cup. The Wallabies host Ireland in Sydney, France in Brisbane and Italy in Perth during the Nations Championship this July before Les Kiss takes over from Joe Schmidt.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Tom Wright, Carter Gordon, Saitama Wild Knights 2026/27 recruit Mark Naqaqanitawase, and rugby-bound Angus Crichton are other players with NRL experience who have committed to the 15-player game ahead of Men’s Rugby World Cup 2027 in Australia.

“I think anyone who plays rugby union would be lying to you if they told you they didn’t want to play for their country. That’s your highest honour,” he added.

“For me, a home World Cup is massive. But for me to be able to even put myself in that conversation, that starts the minute that I walk into the doors at Western Force. I can’t wait to do that.

“I’ve got all the faith in the world that they’re going to help me to be able to be the best team player and person that I can. I’m really looking forward to everything that they’re about.

“That absolutely motivates me and hopefully to one day be a dual international is something that I would absolutely be proud of.”