Mar 9 • 01:18 UTC 🇦🇺 Australia ABC News AU

Lomax to join Super Rugby in major blow to NRL after contract saga

Zac Lomax has signed a two-year deal with the Western Force, leaving the NRL amid ongoing contract disputes.

Zac Lomax, previously a player in the National Rugby League (NRL), has decided to switch to rugby union by signing a two-year contract with the Western Force and Rugby Australia. This transition marks a significant moment in his career following a tumultuous contract situation with his former team, the Eels, which involved blocked attempts to join other NRL teams until 2028. The driving force behind Lomax's departure stems from complications arising from previous negotiations, including an interest in the breakaway competition R360 that ultimately did not materialize.

This new chapter presents Lomax with an opportunity not only to redefine his career in rugby union but also to position himself for future international honors, including a potential spot in the Wallabies for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. Lomax expressed his enthusiasm for joining the Western Force, emphasizing the challenges of switching codes and the motivation that comes with it. His commitment to embracing this new role demonstrates his readiness to adapt and grow as an athlete in a new environment.

The move is seen as a significant blow to the NRL, as Lomax was considered a rising talent in the rugby league sphere. The potential loss of such a player to a different code highlights ongoing tensions within Australian rugby that can emerge from contract disputes and movement between leagues. As Lomax embarks on this new path, his performance with the Western Force will be closely watched, potentially impacting the profiles of both rugby union and league in Australia, and influencing future player movements.

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