Former NRL winger Zac Lomax has made a dramatic code switch to rugby union, signing with Western Force after his high-profile move to Melbourne Storm collapsed in spectacular fashion.
The two-year Super Rugby deal presents Lomax with an opportunity to represent Australia at the 2027 Rugby World Cup on home soil. Rugby Australia officially confirmed the signing on Monday, highlighting Lomax's junior rugby background before his league career.
"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 in a statement.
"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,"
"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."
Career Journey
Career Journey
Career Journey
The former NSW State of Origin representative expressed his international ambitions clearly. "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,"
Lomax's switch represents a significant blow to NRL boss Peter V'landys, who had recently indicated flexibility regarding player defections to rival competitions. V'landys had suggested he might waive the traditional 10-year exile policy to retain Lomax in rugby league.
By the Numbers
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,"
"Zac brings a unique set of experiences and skills to our environment and is motivated by the challenge of competing on the global stage."
Looking Ahead
The move follows similar high-profile switches by Sydney Roosters stars Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase, who have also committed to rugby union for next season.
Western Force Head Coach Simon Cron revealed the extensive recruitment process behind Lomax's signing. "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.
"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,"
"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."
Cron expressed confidence in Lomax's potential impact. "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," he said.
Rugby Australia's Director of High Performance Peter Horne emphasized the strategic importance of the signing. "Building depth across Australian Rugby has been a priority as we build towards next year's home Rugby World Cup and the addition of Zac is a positive development for our system," Horne said.
"Building depth across Australian Rugby has been a priority as we build towards next year's home Rugby World Cup and the addition of Zac is a positive development for our system,"
"Yes, he's a chance to play rugby,"
The winger's original plan to join Melbourne Storm unraveled in costly fashion, with the Storm ultimately forced to pay Parramatta legal fees reportedly worth up to $250,000 when the dispute reached the Supreme Court.
Parramatta had granted Lomax a conditional release, stipulating that any move to a rival NRL club before 2028 required the Eels' permission – a clause that proved decisive in blocking the Storm transfer.
Reports suggest Lomax could make his Super Rugby debut within weeks, marking a remarkable turnaround in his career trajectory. His switch adds another marquee name to rugby union's growing list of league converts as Australia prepares for the 2027 World Cup.
