Source: Radio New Zealand
Lomax played three tests for the Kangaroos. photosport
Australian superstar Zac Lomax is switching codes.
Lomax is leaving the NRL to join the Western Force with an eye on next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The move ends weeks of speculation surrounding his playing future, after he became one of the first official signings of the R360 league.
Lomax’s relationship with the NRL was further soured after he was locked in a legal battle in attempting to transfer from the Eels to the Storm.
The Storm are now required to pay $250,000 of Parramatta’s legal costs over the failed transfer bid.
He has signed with the Force on a two-year deal effective immediately.
“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.
“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.”
Lomax played for St George-Illawarra and Parramatta as well as representing New South Wales and the Kangaroos.
“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.”
Rugby Australia chief executive Phil Waugh said Lomax is a “superb athlete” with a proven track record at representative level.
“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. 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.”
The Force currently sit 10th on the Super Rugby ladder with one win and four losses.
This weekend they head to the capital to meet the Hurricanes.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
