Rebels beef up pack with Lomax signing

The Australian Under-20s prop signed a two-year contract with the Perth-based franchise from the start of 2017.

Lomax has a rugby heritage, with his father being a former Rugby League international and a legend in his own right at the Canberra Raiders.

The 20-year-old will join no less than five of his Under-20s team-mates at the Rebels next year and he is looking forward to the challenge.

"I'm very excited to be joining the Melbourne Rebels next month, it's massive for my family and I to sign my first Super Rugby contract," Lomax told the Melbourne Rebels website.

"The Rebels are an exciting team that are bringing a lot of young players through Super Rugby and, like me, who have committed long term to the culture the Rebels are seeking to create.

"I had a good chat with team mates while I was on tour and they said it was a great program and how much it has done for their development. I'm looking forward to relocating to Melbourne and consider this as a long term commitment to the Rebels."

Rebels head coach Tony McGahan is excited at the prospect of the 127kg, 193cm Lomax tearing up the turf at AAMI Park.

"Tyrel demonstrated during the recent World Rugby Under-20's Championship that he's a strong scrummager and has well developed core skills for his size," said McGahan.

"We're looking forward to fast tracking his development and providing opportunities for him to transition into Super Rugby next season."