Zac Lomax has officially ended his sporting limbo by signing a two-year contract with Western Force, bringing closure to a dramatic saga that has dominated headlines for months.
The deal, confirmed Monday morning and understood to include Rugby Australia top-up funding, represents a fresh start for the 26-year-old after his turbulent exit from the NRL.
"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 via a Rugby Australia media release. "This is a huge opportunity and a challenge I'm really looking forward to embracing."
"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,"
Career Journey
Career Journey
Career Journey
Lomax's journey to Perth has been anything but straightforward. After being released by Parramatta Eels late last year, his planned move to rebel rugby competition R360 collapsed when the competition's launch was delayed until at least 2028.
A potential return to the NRL with Melbourne Storm also fell through spectacularly. Under the terms of his Eels release, Lomax couldn't join another NRL club before 2028 without permission, leading to a court battle that saw Storm ordered to cover Eels' legal costs.
"Stepping into a new code will push me as a player and that's something that genuinely motivates me," Lomax explained. "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."
"Stepping into a new code will push me as a player and that's something that genuinely motivates me,"
The winger's ambitions extend beyond Super Rugby Pacific, with Wallabies selection firmly in his sights. "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," he said.
"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,"
Western Force coach Simon Cron expressed his enthusiasm about landing the high-profile signing after months of courtship.
"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 said. "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."
"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,"
Impact and Legacy
Impact and Legacy
Cron praised Lomax's potential impact on the struggling Force, who currently sit at 1-3 in this year's Super Rugby Pacific campaign after falling to the Highlanders in Dunedin.
"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," the coach said. "We are excited to get him started."
Lomax's signing follows a similar path taken by Angus Crichton, who joined the Waratahs earlier this year, signaling Rugby Australia's renewed focus on attracting NRL talent.
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh welcomed the acquisition despite initial lukewarm interest in pursuing Lomax.
By the Numbers
"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."
"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,"
The timing of Lomax's debut remains uncertain, with the Force currently on tour in New Zealand. While he could potentially join the squad in Wellington ahead of their clash with the Hurricanes, a more likely scenario sees him making his Super Rugby debut in Round 7 against the Chiefs in Perth.
Lomax had become virtually persona non grata in the NRL, with veteran coach Wayne Bennett recently suggesting the winger would have to "live with" the consequences of his contract decisions.
"live with"
Australian Rugby League Chairman Peter V'Landys had even threatened to intervene to prevent the code switch, having implemented 10-year bans for players signing with unregistered rival competitions.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to get started in Perth and begin this next chapter of my career," Lomax concluded.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to get started in Perth and begin this next chapter of my career,"
Lomax is scheduled to address media in Sydney on Tuesday, where he will likely elaborate on his decision and timeline for joining his new teammates. His successful transition could pave the way for more high-profile NRL-to-rugby union switches as both codes battle for talent.
