Wallabies coach-to-be Les Kiss isn't ruling out the possibility of NRL sensation Zac Lomax donning the green and gold at the 2027 Rugby World Cup if he transitions to rugby union. Lomax, a standout wing for the Parramatta Eels, recently made headlines with his premature exit from the team, amidst swirling rumors of a switch to the delayed rebel league, R360.
With R360’s kickoff now postponed to 2028, Lomax’s immediate future hangs in the balance. The 26-year-old, celebrated for his prowess in rugby league, both internationally and for New South Wales in State of Origin, might now look towards rugby union shores. Reports suggest that he's mulling over a tempting two-year contract from Super Rugby Pacific’s Western Force, valued at approximately AUS$450,000 annually—a step down financially from his NRL deal but a move that could pave his path to World Cup glory on home soil.
Les Kiss, currently steering the ship at Queensland Reds and slated to take command of the Wallabies next August, remains open to the idea of Lomax switching codes.
"The small discussions I’ve had around that is that if a player is interested, and if they’ve had some history in their youth that they’ve been involved in the game, it always helps,"
Kiss noted, hinting at Lomax’s potential edge due to past rugby union involvement.
Kiss emphasized the necessity of open-mindedness in selection discussions.
"You can’t just put your head in the sand over these things, but I do think good, smart decisions should always be there and we should be open to them,"
he added, suggesting a strategic approach to potential code-switchers like Lomax.
Should Lomax decide to join the Force, he won’t just waltz into the starting lineup. He’d face fierce competition from current Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch and newly signed ex-All Black George Bridge. It’s a potent reminder of the high stakes and intense rivalry inherent in top-tier rugby union, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic career pivot for Lomax as he eyes a spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup roster.
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Wallabies coach-to-be Les Kiss isn't ruling out the possibility of NRL sensation Zac Lomax donning the green and gold at the 2027 Rugby World Cup if he transitions to rugby union. Lomax, a standout wing for the Parramatta Eels, recently made headlines with his premature exit from the team, amidst swirling rumors of a switch to the delayed rebel league, R360.
With R360’s kickoff now postponed to 2028, Lomax’s immediate future hangs in the balance. The 26-year-old, celebrated for his prowess in rugby league, both internationally and for New South Wales in State of Origin, might now look towards rugby union shores. Reports suggest that he's mulling over a tempting two-year contract from Super Rugby Pacific’s Western Force, valued at approximately AUS$450,000 annually—a step down financially from his NRL deal but a move that could pave his path to World Cup glory on home soil.
Les Kiss, currently steering the ship at Queensland Reds and slated to take command of the Wallabies next August, remains open to the idea of Lomax switching codes.
"The small discussions I’ve had around that is that if a player is interested, and if they’ve had some history in their youth that they’ve been involved in the game, it always helps,"
Kiss noted, hinting at Lomax’s potential edge due to past rugby union involvement.Kiss emphasized the necessity of open-mindedness in selection discussions.
"You can’t just put your head in the sand over these things, but I do think good, smart decisions should always be there and we should be open to them,"
he added, suggesting a strategic approach to potential code-switchers like Lomax.Should Lomax decide to join the Force, he won’t just waltz into the starting lineup. He’d face fierce competition from current Wallabies winger Dylan Pietsch and newly signed ex-All Black George Bridge. It’s a potent reminder of the high stakes and intense rivalry inherent in top-tier rugby union, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic career pivot for Lomax as he eyes a spot in the 2027 Rugby World Cup roster.