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Sources close to All Things Rugby believes that Munster have moved closer to securing the signature of All Blacks prop Tyler Lomax in a blockbuster switch.
It is believed that the rampaging prop could make the switch on the same type of sabbatical deal as Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane, although it is unclear at this time the length of contract on the cards.
The 29-year-old, who was born in Canberra, has earned 48 caps for New Zealand, but has not played since September due to injuries. Lomax broke his thumb twice in 2025, the second time during the Rugby Championship, but is back training.
Lomax started his pro career with the Melbourne Rebels, making 13 appearances in the 2017 Super Rugby season, off the back of a successful Australian Under-20s campaign. However, Lomax returned back to New Zealand soon after, having spent parts of his childhood there, before signing for Tasman and then the Highlanders.
After two seasons in Dunedin, Lomax made the switch north to Wellington and the Hurricanes where he has gone on to win over 70 caps for the club.
He played a key role in them topping the Super Rugby table in 2024, coming off the back of arguably Lomax’s best year in his career. Across 2023-2024, he starred for the All Blacks en route to a World Cup final appearance; culminating in making the World Rugby Dream Team for 2024.
Munster’s bid to sign a high-profile prop has been a challenging and long road. Under previous regimes they were linked with the likes of Vincent Koch and Thomas du Toit; although they did manage to lure Oli Jager to make a similar switch as Lomax back in 2023.
New head coach Clayton McMillan did bring in Samoan captain Michael Ala’alatoa as short-term cover back in December, but this is the major reinforcement needed if they are to become consistent URC contenders.
They are also expected to add Jack Aungier and Ultan Dillane to the books next season, with Jack Willis also linked should he redeclare for Ireland.