Joe Schmidt confirms talks with NRL convert

The Wallabies will take on Italy this July at HBF Park, with Schmidt set to coach his final match in charge. The fixture also gives Australia an opportunity for revenge after the Azzurri defeated them last November.

In March, Lomax signed a two-year deal with Rugby Australia and the Western Force after an unsuccessful bid to join R360.

His arrival made him the third NRL player to switch codes for 2026, following Angus Crichton and Mark Nawaqanitawase. The move also puts him in contention for the 2027 Rugby World Cup, which will be hosted in Australia.

Schmidt confirmed he has been in contact with Lomax and suggested fans could soon see him in Wallabies colours.

"We bounced a few observations back and forth.

"We'll be watching over the next few weeks, three home games to finish the season.

"That's perfect for the Force, and it's perfect for Zac if he can get a rhythm through those games."

Lomax has been playing on the wing in rugby union and has featured four times so far in Super Rugby. He is set to make his fifth appearance for the Force when they host the Queensland Reds this weekend.

Schmidt also outlined what he wants to see from Lomax during the closing stages of the season ahead of the upcoming international window.

"Just see him get that playing rhythm. And there's a whole lot of elements to that playing rhythm," he said.

"It's trying to get into the right place at the right time, because that's a little bit different from the 13-man code.

"Certainly his aerial attack has been strong. I think he's problem solving [defensively] really well."