The clock is ticking for Zac Lomax.
The former Parramatta Eels star must make a call on his Super Rugby future before the year is out.
While the Brumbies have tabled a two-year contract to rival an offer from the Western Force, the Sydney Morning Herald reports that Rugby Australia (RA) is being asked to provide a contract top-up for the 26-year-old to help seal the deal.
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Lomax is reportedly prepared to take a pay cut to chase Wallabies selection ahead of the 2027 home World Cup.
However, sources say French and Japanese clubs remain in the frame for his signature, offering financial terms that likely dwarf local bids.
RA remains wary of overspending on a top-up while it works to secure star Waratahs winger Max Jorgensen.
A five-year offer is already on the table for the 21-year-old, who comes off contract at the end of 2026.
Under the current pay structure, Super Rugby franchises can offer a maximum $220,000 annual salary. To bridge the gap, RA provides top-up payments to a select group of roughly 30 players viewed as vital contributors to the Wallabies.
Beyond the cash injection, these top-ups function as strategic investments, often tied to specific clauses ensuring Wallabies availability.
Without a top-up, Lomax faces a significant pay cut from his previous $700,000-a-year deal at Parramatta.
Even playing all 15 Tests in 2026 would only net him $400,000, as match fees for non-central players sit at $12,000 a Test compared to the $10,000 paid to those on top-ups.
Originally a marquee target for the rebel R360 competition, Lomax secured a release from Parramatta after only one season.
But with that competition on ice until 2028, he has been forced to explore alternative paths for his immediate future.
Having toured the Force's facilities earlier this month, Lomax continues to weigh a move to the west.
As both the Brumbies and Force ramp up pre-season training, the countdown is on to their round one showdown in Perth on February 14.
Failure to sign a Super Rugby deal by year's end leaves Lomax in footballing limbo, facing a 2026 pre-season without a home club.
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