There's a tug of war between New Zealand and Australian rugby over the future of young prop Tyrel Lomax.
Lomax, is the son of former Kiwis rugby league prop John Lomax and was the Australian under-20s player of the year in 2016, but is still eligible for Australia and New Zealand.
He made his super rugby debut for the Melbourne Rebels this year but has signed with the Highlanders for 2019 and will play his provincial rugby for the Tasman Makos.
Tyrel Lomax Photo: Supplied
Currently he has no release from Melbourne Rebels which is preventing him from playing in New Zealand now and next year.
He has requested a release from the Rebels and the Australian Rugby Union and is waiting an outcome.
Lomax grew up playing league in Wellington but switched to rugby when the Lomax family moved to Australia.
While awaiting the outcome of his request for an early release he's living in Nelson and training with Tasman as a guest.
Lomax said it was a difficult decision to return to New Zealand but is convinced its 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.
Highlanders coach Aaron Mauger said "a strong ball carrying prop, we think his game will benefit from our environment and he will add depth to our squad".
