Australia’s preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2027 have taken another significant turn after Wallabies head coach Les Kiss confirmed that Zac Lomax remains firmly in contention for national selection despite agreeing to join the NRL’s Papua New Guinea Chiefs from the 2028 season.
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The announcement puts an end to speculation that Lomax’s long-term rugby league future could jeopardize his chances of wearing the famous gold jersey. Instead, Kiss has made it clear that every player currently contracted to Rugby Australia and performing at the required level will continue to be considered for international selection.
With Australia set to host the Rugby World Cup 2027, the Wallabies are entering one of the most important rebuilding phases in recent history. Every squad announcement, player return, and coaching decision is now viewed through the lens of preparing a team capable of challenging for the Webb Ellis Cup on home soil.
For Lomax, the message from the new Wallabies coach could not have been clearer his World Cup dream remains alive. The 26-year-old winger, who switched codes earlier this year to join the Western Force, has been sidelined by a groin injury since May.
Les Kiss Refuses to Close the Door Zac Lomax’s Road Back
Speaking ahead of the Wallabies’ upcoming Test series against Japan, Les Kiss dismissed suggestions that Lomax’s future move to the NRL would affect his international ambitions. The new Wallabies coach explained that selection would always be based on current performances and what players could contribute to Australian rugby before the World Cup.
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Unlike previous selection debates surrounding players leaving Australian rugby, Kiss believes creating competition is more important than ruling players out because of future career decisions. That philosophy could prove vital as Australia attempts to build the strongest possible squad before hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Kiss also stressed that intense competition for places only makes the Wallabies stronger. Rather than seeing Lomax as a distraction, he views the winger as another talented athlete capable of pushing established internationals to improve.
The coach believes difficult selection decisions are a positive sign for any team hoping to compete for major honours. Australia’s goal is to build enough depth that every position has multiple world-class contenders before the Rugby World Cup begins.
Lomax’s journey back to rugby union has been one of the most talked-about stories in Australian sport. After making his name in rugby league and representing Australia at the highest level, he made the switch to rugby union by signing with the Western Force. The move immediately sparked conversations about his potential role in Australia’s Rugby World Cup plans.
Building Toward a Home Rugby World Cup
Even after returning to full fitness, Lomax faces one of the toughest selection battles in Australian rugby. The Wallabies already possess impressive depth across the back three. Players including Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright, Mark Nawaqanitawase, Harry Potter, Dylan Pietsch, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell, Corey Toole, and potentially Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii provide Les Kiss with numerous attacking options.
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Instead of viewing that competition as a problem, Kiss believes it will improve the overall standard of Australian rugby. The Wallabies coach wants every player fighting for selection every week because stronger competition ultimately produces a better national team.
Australia will host the Rugby World Cup 2027, with matches scheduled across major cities including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, and Townsville. Hosting the tournament gives the Wallabies a rare opportunity to compete for rugby’s biggest prize in front of home supporters.
Australian rugby has endured several inconsistent seasons, but Rugby Australia believes the arrival of Les Kiss signals the beginning of a fresh chapter. His first squad announcement, renewed emphasis on defence under Scott McLeod, and commitment to performance-based selection all point toward building a squad capable of challenging the world’s leading nations.
Japan Series Marks the Beginning
Before attention turns fully toward the World Cup, Australia must first navigate an important two-Test series against Japan. Les Kiss will take charge of the Wallabies for the first time against Eddie Jones’ Japanese side, using the series to introduce his tactical ideas and evaluate combinations.
Japan’s quick, high-tempo style presents a difficult challenge, making the fixtures far more than simple warm-up matches. Kiss has already warned his players that they must control territory, remain disciplined, and avoid giving Japan unnecessary space.
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The coaching staff also hopes to implement a more connected defensive structure under new defence coach Scott McLeod, who has already made a strong impression during training. Another important decision made by Les Kiss was confirming Harry Wilson as Wallabies captain before the Japan series.
Wilson admitted the early confirmation gave him confidence. While reminding him that leadership must continue to be earned through consistent performances. The captain praised Kiss for communicating clearly from the beginning, helping establish stability during the transition into a new coaching era.
Why Lomax Could Be a Difference-Maker
If Zac Lomax returns from injury and rediscovers his best form, Australia could gain one of the most dangerous attacking weapons available. His combination of size, speed, aerial ability.
Those qualities translate well to international rugby union, particularly against teams that rely heavily on kicking contests and counter-attacking opportunities. With Australia searching for more attacking firepower before hosting the Rugby World Cup, Lomax offers something slightly different from many of the current outside backs.
Whether it is Zac Lomax, Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, or any other contender, every player must continue performing consistently. That philosophy is expected to shape Australia’s preparations throughout the next 12 months. Rather than relying solely on established internationals, Kiss wants genuine competition across every position.
It is a strategy designed not only to improve standard. But also to ensure Australia arrives at the Rugby World Cup with maximum squad depth. Les Kiss has inherited the responsibility of transforming the Wallabies into genuine title contenders, and his first major decisions already reveal the direction he intends to take.
Keeping Zac Lomax firmly in the selection picture demonstrates that Australian rugby remains focused on building the strongest possible squad, regardless of what happens after the tournament.
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FAQs
1. Why is Zac Lomax still eligible for the Wallabies despite his future NRL move?
Les Kiss has confirmed that Wallabies selection is based on current performance and availability, not on a player’s future club commitments. Since Lomax remains available through the Rugby World Cup 2027 cycle, he is still eligible for selection.
2. Will Zac Lomax play at the Rugby World Cup 2027?
There is no official confirmation yet. If Lomax returns from injury, performs consistently for the Western Force, and impresses the Wallabies coaching staff, he could earn a place in Australia’s Rugby World Cup 2027 squad.
3. Who is the current Wallabies head coach?
Les Kiss is the current head coach of the Australian Wallabies. He took charge ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup cycle and is leading Australia’s preparations for the home tournament.
4. When and where will the Rugby World Cup 2027 be held?
The Rugby World Cup 2027 will be hosted by Australia from 1 October to 13 November 2027, with matches taking place across several major cities, including Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Newcastle, and Townsville.
5. Why is the Japan Test series important for Australia?
The Japan Test series marks the beginning of Les Kiss’s tenure as Wallabies head coach and provides an important opportunity to evaluate players, build combinations, and prepare the squad for the Rugby World Cup 2027.