The ACT Brumbies have positioned themselves as a potential new home for exiled rugby league star Zac Lomax, whose future was thrown into chaos by the spectacular collapse of the rebel Rugby 360 competition.
Backline crisis opens door for Lomax
Following Rugby 360's bombshell announcement to delay its launch until at least 2028, Lomax was left without a club after quitting his Parramatta Eels contract. The Brumbies, facing a severe shortage of outside backs for the 2026 Super Rugby season, have registered preliminary interest in the 26-year-old.
The Canberra-based franchise's backline has been decimated, with key players Len Ikitau, Noah Lolesio, and the injured Tom Wright all absent for the upcoming campaign. This creates a significant opportunity for a versatile player like Lomax, who can cover wing, centre, and fullback, and is also a capable goal-kicker.
Rugby Australia's role is crucial
Any move for Lomax is not straightforward. The Brumbies would require Rugby Australia to actively participate in negotiations and provide salary cap support to bring the State of Origin representative to the capital.
This comes amid a lingering sentiment in Canberra that the Brumbies have been sidelined since Rugby Australia assumed ownership of the franchise earlier this year. The redundancy of Brumbies CEO Phil Thomson and the centralisation of recruitment decisions in Sydney have fuelled this perception.
The club was reportedly surprised by Carter Gordon's signing with the Queensland Reds, among other player movements decided by head office.
A pathway to the Wallabies?
Dual international Lote Tuqiri has publicly urged Rugby Australia to seriously target Lomax, suggesting a Super Rugby season could lead to a shock Wallabies World Cup berth in 2027.
Lomax's agent, former Canberra Raiders captain Clinton Schifcofske, confirmed there is "no shortage of interest" in his client, with a decision expected shortly. While options exist in the United States, Japan, or Europe, most clubs there have finalised their rosters, making the Brumbies a more viable and timely option.
For Lomax, who grew up in Temora in regional New South Wales, a switch to the Brumbies could offer regular game time in rugby union, keeping the door ajar for a future with the Wallabies or even a revived Rugby 360 down the track.
His return to the NRL is complicated by the terms of his release from Parramatta, which stipulate the Eels have first refusal unless they decline to re-sign him.
The Brumbies have already begun strengthening their squad, recruiting Tane Edmed, while Ikitau will return from England. Declan Meredith is set to compete with Edmed for the fly-half role. However, the potential addition of a player of Lomax's calibre would provide a major boost of star power and versatility as the club looks to rebuild its attacking arsenal.
