Suddenly, Australia have the shape of something intriguing

Still raw after their first winless tour of Europe in 67 years last season, the Wallabies suddenly have a host of stars aligning to spark their World Cup quest

Zac Lomax after signing with Rugby Australia and the Western Force. Pic: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

AFTER a tough two decades, Australian rugby’s luck is suddenly on the up. The defection of NRL flyer Zac Lomax gives the Wallabies a powerful new weapon in the moonshot quest to win a home World Cup in 2027. The 26-year-old NSW State of Origin and Kangaroos star has inked a two-year deal with Rugby Australia (RA) to join the Perth-based Western Force and could debut in Super Rugby Pacific later in March.

“Zac is a superb athlete with a proven record at representative level in rugby league and we believe he has the talent and drive to make a successful transition to rugby,” RA chief executive Phil Waugh said as he welcomed the 133-game international winger back to rugby union. “He brings a unique set of experiences and skills to our environment and is motivated by the challenge of competing on the global stage.”