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Former NRL star Zac Lomax says he is starting rugby union as a novice while chasing a place at next year’s home World Cup.
Zac Lomax says he has no regrets about switching codes as he begins what he describes as a steep climb in rugby union, aiming to become a dual international and potentially feature at next year's home Rugby World Cup.
The 26 year old confirmed on Tuesday that he is committing his future to the 15 man game after leaving the NRL, although he stopped short of completely ruling out a return to rugby league later in his career. Lomax is expected to push for a Super Rugby Pacific debut with the Western Force, potentially as early as this month against the Chiefs.
Despite his ambition, Lomax acknowledged he is starting from the bottom. He has not played rugby union since primary school and admitted he faces a significant learning curve as he adapts to the sport.
Speaking in Sydney, Lomax indicated he viewed the transition as a major challenge. He described himself as a novice in the code and said his focus was on improving quickly and becoming the best rugby union player he could be.
The code switch follows a turbulent period in which Lomax walked away from St George Illawarra and later Parramatta while exploring opportunities in rugby, including the proposed global R360 competition. His attempt to return to the NRL with Melbourne Storm was later blocked in the Supreme Court.
Lomax said he accepted responsibility for the decisions that have shaped his career and rejected suggestions he regretted leaving rugby league. He expressed gratitude for his time in the NRL, noting he had been fortunate to play at the highest level and represent clubs such as the Dragons and Parramatta.
The former NSW State of Origin winger said he believed he was leaving the NRL at the peak of his playing form but was motivated by the challenge of building his rugby union career from the ground up.
Preparation for the switch has been limited. Lomax revealed that uncertainty around his playing future during the off season had left him with little structured training, aside from basic skills work with family members.
His recent comments describing rugby union as a truly global sport attracted criticism from some league supporters, though Lomax insisted the remark was not intended as a slight on the NRL.
He explained that rugby union's international reach and the opportunity to play and travel around the world were factors that appealed strongly as he begins the next stage of his career.
