The former ACT Brumbies junior will shift to the New Zealand capital ahead of the 2020 Super Rugby season to be closer to family.

But first comes a do-or-die clash with the Otago Highlanders against the Canterbury Crusaders in Christchurch on Saturday.

The Hurricanes tried to lure Lomax to Wellington in late 2017, and the emerging star says the time is right to move to a city which will provide both he and his partner Ainsley McGrath with better career opportunities.

Lomax's departure was a bitter pill to swallow for the Highlanders - and Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree can see why.

"His potential is obvious for everyone to see. He's a very impressive young man who is developing his game at a rapid rate," Plumtree said.

"He is a powerful player, has a strong skill set and we are really excited about working with him.

"It's great to be able to bring Tyrel back to the Wellington region where we know he will receive a lot of support and quickly establish himself in the Hurricanes club."

The son of former Canberra Raiders enforcer John Lomax, the 23-year-old spent time in the Brumbies' junior ranks before making his Super Rugby debut with the Melbourne Rebels.

But the chance to realise his dream of playing for the All Blacks was too hard to ignore as Lomax shifted to Otago last year - and it was there he developed into a New Zealand international.

Lomax has a chance to quickly establish himself as a leader of the pack in Wellington as the club comes to grips with the looming departure of Jeffery Toomaga-Allen.