Highlanders and Tasman sign Tyrel Lomax for 2019

The Highlanders and Tasman have signed Melbourne Rebels prop Tyrel Lomax for the 2019 and 2020 seasons.

Lomax made his Super Rugby debut for the Rebels this season and will remain contracted to the Australian club next season unless he can negotiate an early release, is the son of former Kiwis and Canberra Raiders, North Queensland Cowboys and Melbourne Storm rugby league prop John Lomax.

Although his Rebels contract has a year to run and he had previously represented the Australian under-20 and schoolboy national teams, the Highlanders have noted that the 21-year-old was committed to a long-term future in New Zealand.

Lomax grew up playing league in Wellington but switched to rugby when his family moved to Australia. Considered a player with a bright future, he was named in Michael Cheika's' original 48 man squad for 2017 before withdrawing.

Currently, Lomax has no release from the Melbourne Rebels, which is preventing him from playing now and next year. He has asked to be let go by the Rebels/ARU and is waiting on an outcome. At present, he is residing in Nelson and training with the Mako squad as a guest.