Zac Lomax has officially signed a two-year contract with Western Force, bringing an end to a prolonged contract drama that has spanned several months.
This agreement, rumored to include a top-up from Rugby Australia (RA), was announced on Monday morning.
"I'm incredibly excited and thankful to be joining the Western Force after reaching an agreement with Rugby Australia to make the switch to rugby union," Lomax stated in a RA media release.
"This is a huge opportunity and a challenge I'm really looking forward to embracing. Stepping into a new code will push me as a player and that's something that genuinely motivates me."
"The chance to be part of what the Western Force are building and to test myself at the highest level of rugby union is something that really excites me. Like any player, the dream of one day representing the Wallabies on a truly international stage and potentially competing at a Rugby World Cup is a powerful motivation."
"I'm grateful for the opportunity and can't wait to get started in Perth and begin this next chapter of my career."
Previously, Lomax found himself in limbo after being released by the Parramatta Eels late last year, with a potential transfer to the R360 rugby competition thwarted due to delays.
Following discussions with the Force and Brumbies earlier in the year, he briefly considered a shift to Melbourne Storm. However, restrictions from his Eels release prevented him from joining another NRL club until 2028.
While seeking a compromise with the Storm, the situation escalated to a legal battle, resulting in the Storm covering the Eels' legal expenses.
This led Lomax to reconsider a switch to rugby union, and his visit to Rugby Australia headquarters last Tuesday fueled speculation regarding a potential move.