Former NRL representative Zac Lomax has completed a high-profile switch to rugby union, signing a two-year contract with the Western Force and Rugby Australia with immediate effect.
The 26-year-old utility back brings significant experience to Perth, having played 133 NRL games across stints with the St George Illawarra Dragons and Parramatta Eels. His representative resume includes State of Origin selection for New South Wales and Australian international appearances in 2024.
Lomax is set to join the Force following their current three-week road trip, making himself available for their Round Seven Super Rugby Pacific clash against the Chiefs on March 28.
"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," said Lomax. "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."
"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,"
The versatile back, who debuted in the NRL with St George Illawarra in 2018, sees the move as a pathway to international rugby honours. "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," said Lomax. "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."
"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,"
By the Numbers
By the Numbers
By the Numbers
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh expressed confidence in the signing's potential impact. "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," said Waugh. "Zac brings a unique set of experiences and skills to our environment and is motivated by the challenge of competing on the global stage."
"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,"
By the Numbers
The timing of the acquisition aligns with Rugby Australia's strategic planning ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted on home soil. "We have entered an incredibly exciting period for Australian Rugby and Zac now has the opportunity to make a strong impression in Super Rugby Pacific and push for higher honours as we approach a home Rugby World Cup in 2027," said Waugh.
"We have entered an incredibly exciting period for Australian Rugby and Zac now has the opportunity to make a strong impression in Super Rugby Pacific and push for higher honours as we approach a home Rugby World Cup in 2027,"
Western Force head coach Simon Cron revealed the recruitment process began months ago when Lomax visited Perth. "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," said Cron. "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
Cron backed the new signing to make an immediate impact in the 15-man code. "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," said Cron. "We are excited to get him started."
The high-profile signing represents a significant coup for both the Western Force and Rugby Australia as they look to bolster their talent pool ahead of the home World Cup in 2027.
