NRL star Zac Lomax has signed with the Western Force and Rugby Australia on a two-year deal, effective immediately.
The 26-year-old joins from rugby league club Parramatta Eels after 133 appearances in the NRL, along with representing NSW and Australia at representative level.
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Debuting for the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2018, Lomax made his State of Origin debut for NSW in 2024, going on to play for his country later that year.
The deal sees him return to the game, with a potential shot at the Wallabies and the 2027 Rugby World Cup on the cards.
Lomax will link up with the team in Perth after they return to Western Australia following this week's clash with the Hurricanes, ending a three-week road trip, set to be available for their Round Seven match against the Chiefs on March 28 after their bye.
The flyer will likely be used as an outside back or centre, excited about the challenge ahead.
"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," he said.
"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.
"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.
"I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get started in Perth and begin this next chapter of my career."
It continues the growing contingency making the move, with fellow Australian stars Angus Crichton (NSW Waratahs) and Mark Nawaqanitawase (Saitama Wild Knights) also set to make the switch to the 15-a-side game.
"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," RA CEO Phil Waugh said. "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 Swyftx Super Rugby Pacific and push for higher honours as we approach a home Rugby World Cup in 2027."
"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," Western Force coach Simon Cron added.
"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.
"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. "We are excited to get him started."
