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The Western Force and Brumbies have tabled two-year offers to former NSW Origin winger Zac Lomax, and the former Parramatta Eels star will need to decide on his future before the end of the year.
As well as detailing the Super Rugby offers, sources speaking on the condition of anonymity said Rugby Australia has also been approached to provide a contract top-up payment for the 26-year-old, which is understood to be a key factor in getting Lomax to sign with a Super Rugby team.
Lomax is willing to take a pay cut to pursue Wallabies selection in time for a home World Cup in 2027. French and Japanese clubs, which would be able to offer better financial terms, are also understood to be in the frame for his signature, according to sources.
RA remains cautious about the size of any potential top-up, given the organisation also needs to secure the signature of star winger Max Jorgensen. A five-year offer for the 21-year-old, who comes off contract at the end of 2026, is already on the table.
Super Rugby franchises can offer a maximum contract of $220,000 a year. RA then makes “top-up” payments to a group of approximately 30 players they consider key contributors to the Wallabies.
The national contracting panel, which includes RA chief executive Phil Waugh, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt and RA high-performance director Peter Horne, makes decisions on which players receive the top-up deals.
The Western Force and Brumbies have tabled offers to former Eels back Zac Lomax.Credit: Getty Images
Without a top-up, Lomax could earn up to $400,000 a year if he played all 15 Tests in 2026 for the Wallabies. Top-up players receive match fees of $10,000 a Test, while those not centrally contracted get $12,000. A contract to play rugby in Australia without a top-up deal would be a sizable downgrade from his previous $700,000-a-year deal at Parramatta.
The Brumbies and Force are in the middle of pre-season training, with the clubs facing each other in round one of Super Rugby on Valentine’s Day in Perth.
In an interview with this masthead earlier this month, Waugh confirmed his interest in Lomax, but also said the organisation had to remain “fiscally responsible”.
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Lomax originally was targeted by Rugby 360 and was granted a release from his contract at Parramatta one season into a four-year deal, but with the breakaway competition delayed until 2028, the winger has investigated other opportunities, including touring the Force’s facilities in early December.
The winger has played limited rugby, mainly at primary school in Temora, but would provide the Force and Brumbies with aerial ability and a goal-kicking option.
The Force on Monday declined to comment on Lomax. The Brumbies have been contacted for comment.
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