Tyrel Lomax signs to be a Mako

The Tasman Rugby Union are pleased to announce the signing of Melbourne Rebels prop, Tyrel Lomax. A 192-centimetre and 127-kilogram front rower, Tyrel has committed to the Makos for 2019 and 2020. While his contract still has a year to run, Tyrel has committed his future to NZ.

Currently he has no release from Melbourne Rebels which is preventing him from playing now and next year. Tyrel has requested a release from the Rebels/ARU and is waiting an outcome. At present, he is residing in Nelson and training with the Mako squad as a guest.

The 21-year-old was born in Canberra, is the son of former Kiwis rugby league prop John Lomax, who played 15 tests for the Kiwis between 1992-98. He also played for the Canberra Raiders, Nth Queensland Cowboys and the Melbourne Storm. Tyrel Lomax grew up playing league in Wellington but switched to rugby when the Lomax family moved back to Australia, playing at the famous Australian Rugby nursery St Edmunds College. He was selected in 2015 and 2016 Australian U20 teams. In 2016, he was named the Australian U20 player of the year.

Lomax stated that it was a difficult decision to return to NZ he is sure it’s for the best, “I grew up in NZ and, as an aspiring rugby player, the chance to play for a NZ Super Rugby club was too good an opportunity to turn down.

The Tasman Makos head coach Leon MacDonald says “Tyrel’s a world class prop with enormous potential. Even though he’s young, his frame and attitude set him apart. He’s aspiring to make the All Blacks and we are very proud that he sees Tasman as the pathway for him. For him to pack down alongside stalwarts like Tim Perry and Kane Hames is exciting for the future of Tasman rugby.”

The Tasman Rugby CEO Tony Lewis said “throughout our dealings with Tyrel he has shown himself to be a mature young man with a real determination to learn and improve, he has a real desire to go as far as he can in the game, we believe he has a very bright future in front of him”.

Position: Prop

DOB: 1 June 1996 (21 years old)

Height: 192cm

Weight: 127kg

2014 - Australia Schoolboys

2015-16 - Australia U 20

2016 - Melbourne Rising

2017 - Melbourne Rebels