The Western Force and Brumbies have both presented two-year contract offers to former NSW Origin winger Zac Lomax. With the deadline approaching for a decision before the year ends, Lomax faces a choice that could impact his rugby career significantly. In addition to the contracts from these Super Rugby franchises, sources indicate that Rugby Australia has been approached to offer a financial top-up to incentivize Lomax’s signing. This top-up is viewed as a crucial element in his potential agreement with either team.
Lomax, who is eager to secure a spot on the Wallabies roster ahead of the 2027 World Cup, is reportedly willing to accept a pay cut to pursue this ambition. Meanwhile, clubs from France and Japan are also expressing interest, presenting better financial packages compared to the offers from Australian teams.
Contract Dynamics and Financial Considerations
Rugby Australia remains cautious regarding the size of any top-up payment, particularly as it also seeks to secure the signature of emerging star Max Jorgensen. A five-year offer has already been extended to Jorgensen, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season. Currently, Super Rugby franchises can offer a maximum annual salary of $220,000, with additional top-up payments reserved for players deemed essential to the national team.
The national contracting panel, which includes Phil Waugh, chief executive of Rugby Australia, along with Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt and high-performance director Peter Horne, is responsible for determining which players receive these lucrative top-up deals. Without such a top-up, Lomax could potentially earn up to $400,000 per year if he plays all 15 Tests for the Wallabies in 2026. For top-up players, match fees stand at $10,000 per Test, while those not centrally contracted receive $12,000.
A contract to play rugby in Australia without a top-up would mark a significant decrease from Lomax’s previous earnings of $700,000 per year with the Parramatta Eels. As the Western Force and Brumbies enter pre-season training, they are gearing up for their first match against each other on February 14, 2024, in Perth, adding urgency to Lomax’s decision-making process.
As the situation unfolds, the choices Lomax makes will not only shape his career but also reflect broader dynamics within Super Rugby and Rugby Australia’s strategies in attracting and retaining top talent. The coming weeks will be pivotal for this promising athlete and the teams vying for his services.
