Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh confirmed he would consider signing Zac Lomax, softening his stance on signing more big-money NRL recruits.
Lomax has been on a tour of Super Rugby facilities of late, impressing officials at both the Western Force and ACT Brumbies.
The Sydney Morning Herald reports that most officials in the 15-man game view him as a winger and/or fullback with a kicking game. At 190cm and 105kg, Lomax would also be well suited to the contestable kicking tactics seen in rugby.
READ MORE: Olympic body’s $50m splash in fight against major codes
READ MORE: Magpies staffer quits after ‘unacceptable’ behaviour
READ MORE: ‘Kill this guy’: Why $282m Paul fight should be canned
Rugby Australia will be pivotal in securing a player like Lomax, with Super Rugby franchises offering a maximum of $220,000 a year.
The national governing body will need to make up the difference considering he was making over $600,000 a year with the Eels in the NRL.
Zac Lomax during an Australia Kangaroos training session. Getty
Lomax could potentially earn up to $400,000 a year without Rugby Australia’s help, if he plays all 15 Tests for the Wallabies in 2026.
Waugh was said to be hesitant about pulling out the chequebook for another former NRL player, with RA forking out $5 million to sign Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii.
But with the goal of making the 2027 Rugby World Cup final on home soil, Waugh is said to be open-minded about such a move.
“We consider anyone who has the ambition to play for the Wallabies, and we’ll have conversations with anyone who is willing to be part of what’s going to be a really amazing journey through to 2027,” he told the Herald
“Lomax is one name, there’s other names that have expressed an interest to be part of the Rugby World Cup journey. We are happy to have pragmatic, sensible conversations.
Joe Schmidt of the Wallabies speaks to Phil Waugh. Getty
“Everything we’re doing is around alignment to our strategy, and our strategy relating specifically to 2027 is being part of the final weekend in 2027.
“So whoever we’re talking to from a talent perspective is around ensuring we’ve got the appropriate talent across our playing cohort to go to that final weekend in 2027.
“If those interested are additive to the environment, then we’re clearly very interested in having conversations.”
However, Waugh said RA would not go overboard when spending on such players.
“For those considering being part of the World Cup, I don’t think it’s necessarily about the money they’ll earn next year and the Rugby World Cup year,” he said.
“It’s actually the potential legacy they’ll leave, and then a future earning capacity.”