Zac Lomax 2026: Western Force, Partner, Tattoo & Career Switch

Rugby league fans watched one of the more unusual contract dramas of the decade unfold this past March when Zac Lomax, a proven NRL talent with State of Origin and Kangaroos caps, walked away from the code he’d played since a teenager. The 26-year-old didn’t just switch clubs — he switched sports entirely, signing a two-year deal with the Western Force in Super Rugby.

Born: 24 September 1999 ·
Height: 190 cm (6 ft 3 in) ·
Weight: 94 kg (207 lb) ·
Current team: Western Force (Super Rugby) ·
Position: Winger, Centre ·
Previous code: NRL (St. George Illawarra Dragons, Parramatta Eels)

What’s happening with Zac Lomax?

Zac Lomax signs with Western Force in 2026

In March 2026, Lomax put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Western Force, ending a contract saga that had dragged for months. The ABC reported that Lomax had been blocked from joining another NRL club before the Western Force deal was finalized, though the specifics of that block remain unconfirmed.

The move marks a cross-code leap from rugby league to rugby union. Lomax played NRL for the St. George Illawarra Dragons from 2018 to 2023, then moved to the Parramatta Eels for the 2023–2025 seasons before this switch.

Contract length and details

The deal runs through the 2027 season, giving Lomax two full Super Rugby campaigns. ESPN characterized the signing as a dramatic resolution to months of uncertainty, with the Western Force officially announcing the signing on March 8, 2026. The contract is effective immediately, per contemporaneous reports.

Impact on his NRL career

Lomax’s switch to rugby union effectively pauses his NRL career after eight seasons. He debuted for the Dragons in 2018, earned State of Origin selection for New South Wales in 2021, and represented the Kangaroos. The move was described by ABC as a “major blow to the NRL.”

The pattern: Lomax walked away from a code where he had proven himself at the highest level — Origin and international caps — to start fresh in a sport where he is a self-admitted novice.

Does Zac Lomax have a partner?

Zac Lomax’s relationship history

Lomax was in a relationship with a woman named Elizabeth. The couple were together for several years and were known to share a private life away from the rugby spotlight. Their relationship was occasionally referenced in media reports and social media posts, but Lomax rarely discussed it in depth.

The implication: Lomax’s personal life remained largely out of the public eye, with few details beyond general acknowledgment of the relationship.

Why did Zac and Elizabeth split up?

The couple split in early 2026, around the time of Lomax’s contract drama and code switch. The exact reason for the breakup has not been publicly stated by either party. No verified reports about the cause of the split have emerged as of mid-2026.

What this means: Without a public statement, fans and media are left to speculate, but the timing suggests the move to Perth — a significant geographic shift from Sydney — may have played a role.

Does Zac Lomax have a Harry Potter tattoo?

The story behind the tattoo

Lomax is a self-confessed Harry Potter enthusiast. A 2025 profile by Parra+ detailed his obsession with the wizarding world series, which began in his youth. The interest was strong enough that Lomax got a Harry Potter-themed tattoo on his arm. The design features a wand and lightning bolt motif. The tattoo has become a talking point in coverage of his code switch, with social media posts from 10 Sport AU and others referencing the detail.

Other tattoos Zac Lomax has

Beyond the Harry Potter ink, Lomax has other tattoos, but specific details about additional designs are not extensively documented in public sources. The Harry Potter tattoo is the most prominently reported piece.

The catch: While other athletes often have extensive tattoo collections, Lomax keeps most of his body art private, with only the Harry Potter design confirmed by multiple sources.

What ethnicity is Zac Lomax?

Family background

Lomax was born in Temora, a town in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Australia. He is of Australian descent with Anglo-Celtic heritage. He grew up in the Riverina, where he began playing rugby league as a teenager.

Birthplace and heritage

Temora is a rural town about 420 kilometers west of Sydney. Lomax’s background reflects a typical regional Australian upbringing. He was raised in a family that supported his sporting ambitions from an early age.

Why did Zac Lomax leave the rugby league?

Contract dispute with NRL clubs

Lomax’s NRL contract situation became complicated in late 2025 and early 2026. Reports indicated that he was seeking a release or transfer from the Parramatta Eels but faced hurdles. The ABC reported that Lomax had been blocked from joining another NRL club, though the exact reasons were not fully detailed in public. ESPN described the situation as a “dramatic contract saga” that ran for months.

Decision to switch codes

The Western Force and Rugby Australia offered Lomax a two-year deal that provided a fresh start in a new sport. Lomax has cited the new challenge and lifestyle factors as motivations. The move allows him to potentially compete for a Wallabies spot ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

“It’s a new challenge. I’ve done everything I can in league — Origin, Kangaroos — and this is a chance to test myself in a different environment.”

Western Force offer

The Force’s offer was significant enough to lure a State of Origin and Kangaroos representative away from the NRL at age 26 — typically the prime years for a league player. The Western Force and Super Rugby Pacific accounts amplified the signing on social media, highlighting it as a major acquisition.

Key facts about Zac Lomax

Timeline of key events

• 24 September 1999: Born in Temora, NSW
• 2018: NRL debut for St. George Illawarra Dragons
• 2021: Selected for NSW Blues State of Origin
• 2023: Moved to Parramatta Eels
• March 2026: Signed two-year deal with Western Force (Super Rugby)
• 2026: Contract saga resolved; split with partner Elizabeth

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