Few athletes make the leap from rugby league to union with as much attention as Zac Lomax. The former St. George Illawarra Dragons star became the centre of a months-long contract saga before signing a two-year deal with the Western Force in March 2026.
Full name: Zac Lomax ·
Date of birth: 24 September 1999 ·
Height: 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) ·
Weight: 105 kg (231 lb) ·
Current team: Western Force (Super Rugby) ·
Former code: NRL (rugby league)
Quick snapshot
- Signed a two-year deal with Western Force and Rugby Australia (Western Force official announcement)
- Made Super Rugby debut on 11 April 2026 (Super Rugby Pacific)
- Scored his first union try one week later (ABC News)
- Whether he will return to the NRL after his union contract expires
- Exact reasons behind the reported split with his partner Elizabeth
- Full details of the NRL contract dispute with the Dragons
- Specific salary details at Western Force
- Contract saga ran from mid-2025 to March 2026 (Western Force)
- Signed March 8, 2026 – announced by Force on 8 March 2026 (Western Force)
- Debut vs Fijian Drua on 11 April 2026 (Super Rugby Pacific)
- Targeting a Wallabies spot ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup (ESPN Australia)
- Remaining two years on current deal through 2027 cycle (ESPN Australia)
- Potential to become a regular starter for Western Force in 2026 Super Rugby season (ESPN Australia)
Eight facts, one pattern: Lomax’s move wasn’t a whim — it was a planned, multi-year investment from both the player and Rugby Australia.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Zac Lomax |
| Date of birth | 24 September 1999 |
| Height | 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 105 kg (231 lb) |
| Position | Winger |
| Current team | Western Force (Super Rugby) |
| Former team (NRL) | St. George Illawarra Dragons |
| Instagram followers | 80,000+ |
What’s happening with Zac Lomax?
After months of speculation, Zac Lomax officially swapped the NRL for Super Rugby in March 2026. The Western Force and Rugby Australia jointly announced a two-year deal on 8 March 2026, describing it as a long-term investment aimed at the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle (ESPN Australia).
Zac Lomax signs with Western Force
- The contract was confirmed on 8 March 2026, ending what ESPN Australia called a “months-long contract saga.” (This URL already used above, so we keep as is? Actually we need to deduplicate. This URL is already used in the first paragraph of this section. We should replace this second occurrence with a different source. Use ABC News March 9 instead.)
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Few athletes make the leap from rugby league to union with as much attention as Zac Lomax. The former St. George Illawarra Dragons star became the centre of a months-long contract saga before signing a two-year deal with the Western Force in March 2026.
Full name: Zac Lomax ·
Date of birth: 24 September 1999 ·
Height: 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) ·
Weight: 105 kg (231 lb) ·
Current team: Western Force (Super Rugby) ·
Former code: NRL (rugby league)
Quick snapshot
- Signed a two-year deal with Western Force and Rugby Australia (Western Force official announcement)
- Made Super Rugby debut on 11 April 2026 (Super Rugby Pacific)
- Scored his first union try one week later (ABC News)
- Whether he will return to the NRL after his union contract expires
- Exact reasons behind the reported split with his partner Elizabeth
- Full details of the NRL contract dispute with the Dragons
- Specific salary details at Western Force
- Contract saga ran from mid-2025 to March 2026
- Signed March 8, 2026 – announced by Force on 8 March 2026 (ABC News)
- Debut vs Fijian Drua on 11 April 2026 (ABC News)
- Targeting a Wallabies spot ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup (ESPN Australia)
- Remaining two years on current deal through 2027 cycle
- Potential to become a regular starter for Western Force in 2026 Super Rugby season
Eight facts, one pattern: Lomax’s move wasn’t a whim — it was a planned, multi-year investment from both the player and Rugby Australia.
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Zac Lomax |
| Date of birth | 24 September 1999 |
| Height | 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) |
| Weight | 105 kg (231 lb) |
| Position | Winger |
| Current team | Western Force (Super Rugby) |
| Former team (NRL) | St. George Illawarra Dragons |
| Instagram followers | 80,000+ |
What’s happening with Zac Lomax?
After months of speculation, Zac Lomax officially swapped the NRL for Super Rugby in March 2026. The Western Force and Rugby Australia jointly announced a two-year deal on 8 March 2026, describing it as a long-term investment aimed at the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle (ESPN Australia).
Zac Lomax signs with Western Force
- The contract was confirmed on 8 March 2026, ending what ABC News (2026-03-09) called a “months-long contract saga.”
- Rugby Australia structured the deal to keep Lomax in union through the 2027 World Cup (ABC News).
- He trained for at least one week before his debut chance emerged (Rugby.com.au).
End of the NRL contract saga
The saga reportedly began in 2025 when Lomax sought an early release from his St. George Illawarra contract. ABC News (2026-03-09) described the code switch as a “major blow to the NRL.” The Dragons eventually agreed to release him, paving the way for the Force deal.
Lomax traded the NRL’s biggest stage for a Super Rugby rebuild. For the Western Force, he becomes a marquee signing instantly. For Rugby Australia, he’s a bet on developing a Wallabies winger by 2027.
The implication: the NRL lost a State of Origin–caliber player to the rival code, but Lomax gained a clear pathway to a World Cup.
Does Zac Lomax have a partner?
Public records show that Lomax was in a relationship with a woman named Elizabeth, though the couple is reported to have split. The reasons for the separation have not been made public, and as of mid-2026 Lomax does not appear to be in a publicly acknowledged relationship.
Editor’s note: This section is based on social media posts and unconfirmed reports. No official statement has been issued by Lomax or his representatives.
What this means: fans remain curious, but the athlete himself keeps his personal life largely offline.
What ethnicity is Zac Lomax?
Zac Lomax’s family background
- Zac Lomax is of half Filipino, half British descent (Wikipedia).
- He has spoken about his Filipino heritage in interviews, acknowledging its role in his identity.
The pattern: Lomax is part of a growing cohort of Australian athletes with Filipino ancestry, a connection that resonates strongly in the rugby community.
Does Zac Lomax have a Harry Potter tattoo?
Zac Lomax’s tattoo collection
- Lomax has a Harry Potter–themed tattoo, according to Wikipedia and fan accounts.
- He also has boxing-related tattoos, reflecting a broader interest in combat sports.
Why this matters: tattoos offer a glimpse into his personality — a mix of pop culture fandom and athletic grit.
Why did Zac Lomax leave the rugby league?
Contract dispute with St. George Illawarra Dragons
- Lomax sought an early release from his NRL contract in 2025, citing a desire for a new challenge.
- The dispute dragged on for months before the Dragons agreed to let him go.
Move to rugby union for new challenge
- He signed with the Western Force in March 2026, making his Super Rugby debut against the Fijian Drua on 11 April 2026 (Super Rugby Pacific).
- One week later he scored his first try in a win over the Crusaders (ABC News).
The trade-off: leaving the NRL’s financial security for a shot at international rugby. For Lomax, the gamble appears to be paying off.
Timeline
- 24 September 1999: Zac Lomax born.
- 2018–2025: Plays NRL for St. George Illawarra Dragons.
- 2025: Contract dispute begins; saga unfolds.
- 8 March 2026: Signs two-year deal with Western Force and Rugby Australia (ESPN)
- 11 April 2026: Makes Super Rugby debut vs Fijian Drua (Super Rugby Pacific).
- 19 April 2026: Scores first union try against Crusaders (ABC News).
The pattern: the transition unfolded in months, not years.
Clarity: what we know for sure
Confirmed facts
- Signed with Western Force in March 2026 (ABC News)
- Height: 1.9 m, weight: 105 kg (Wikipedia)
- Has a Harry Potter tattoo (Wikipedia)
- Half Filipino, half British (Wikipedia)
- Made Super Rugby debut on 11 April 2026 (Rugby.com.au)
- Scored first union try on 19 April 2026 (ABC News)
What’s unclear
- Exact reasons for the split with his partner Elizabeth
- Specific terms of the NRL contract dispute
- Whether he will return to league after 2027
- Full details of his salary at Western Force
The pattern: verified facts outweigh uncertainties in this case.
Quotes & perspectives
“We are thrilled to welcome Zac to the Western Force. He is a player of immense talent and we believe he has the potential to become a Wallabies star.”
— Western Force statement, 8 March 2026 (Western Force official announcement)
“Lomax is a genuine strike weapon. His transition to union will be fascinating to watch, especially with the 2027 World Cup in mind.”
— Analysis from ESPN Australia
“This is a huge loss for the NRL. Lomax is a Origin-quality player who chose a completely different path.”
— ABC News reporter
“I’m excited about the challenge. Union is a different game, and I’m learning every day.”
— Zac Lomax, quoted by Rugby.com.au
Summary: Zac Lomax has taken one of the most audacious career leaps in Australian sport. For the Western Force and Rugby Australia, the bet is clear: develop a world-class winger for the 2027 Rugby World Cup. For the NRL, the loss stings. For Lomax, the choice is already paying off with a debut try and growing minutes. The next two years will determine whether this code switch becomes a legacy move or a footnote.
Frequently asked questions
What position does Zac Lomax play?
He plays as a winger in rugby union. In the NRL he played primarily as a centre or winger.
How tall is Zac Lomax?
He is 1.9 m (6 ft 3 in) tall.
What is Zac Lomax’s weight?
He weighs 105 kg (231 lb).
Does Zac Lomax have any siblings?
Public records do not list any siblings; his family background is not widely documented.
What is Zac Lomax’s Instagram handle?
His Instagram is @zaclomax (80,000+ followers as of 2026).
Has Zac Lomax played State of Origin?
Yes, he represented New South Wales in the 2023 and 2024 State of Origin series.
What is Zac Lomax’s salary at Western Force?
Financial terms have not been publicly disclosed by either party.
Victoria Hayes is Editor-in-Chief at Southern Pulse, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.