Leinster and Ireland wing James Lowe has confirmed he will leave the province at the end of the season, after nine years in Irish rugby.
The 33-year-old’s departure had been forecast in recent weeks, after contract negotiations between the player and the province broke down, while he has been strongly linked with move to Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath.
In a post on Instagram this morning, Lowe announced his upcoming departure, which will almost certainly end his international career with Ireland.
“I find it difficult to put into words what Ireland means to me,” Lowe said.
“It’s become so much more than a place of work. It’s become our home.
“This country has not only shaped me, it has shaped my career, our family, and given us friendships that we will have for the rest of our lives.
“When I first arrived in Ireland, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was extremely naive and full of excitement, not knowing where this journey would take me.
“I just had a point to prove.
“You welcomed me, you accepted me, and this journey has been nothing short of amazing.”
The New Zealand born winger joined Leinster in late 2017 from Super Rugby side Chiefs, and has scored 71 tries in 101 games for Leinster, recently surpassing Shane Horgan as their record try-scorer.
An Investec Champions Cup winner in his debut season, Lowe has also won five URC/PRO14 titles with the province, and will be hoping to add a sixth when Leinster take on the Bulls in next week’s Grand Final at Croke Park.
Irish-qualified since November 2020, Lowe earned 45 caps for Ireland, scoring 17 tries, and played an important role in two Six Nations titles – including one Grand Slam – under Andy Farrell, as well as featuring for Ireland at the Rugby World Cup in 2023.
Lowe also played in the first two Tests for the British and Irish Lions against Australia last year.
Given the IRFU’s unwritten selection policy around players based outside Ireland, Lowe’s international role looks set to come to an immediate end, with his last cap coming in this year’s Six Nations win away to England, where he departed with a groin injury in the opening half.
It’s believed the Lowe was keen to stay in Ireland with Leinster, as he targeted a place in Farrell’s squad for next season’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
While he has never been on a central contract with the IRFU, the union has previously topped up his provincial deal as a ‘player of national interest’, although it’s understood that contribution, and Leinster’s offer, were considerably lower than in previous seasons.
James Lowe has scored 17 tries for Ireland in 45 caps
“Leinster Rugby, you took a punt on me many moons ago and I think we both got more than we bargained for,” he added.
“I didn’t understand what representing this club meant, but now I get it.
“It’s been some craic. The highest of highs, and the lowest of lows. It has been an honour to represent this club.
“Last but definitely not least, to Irish Rugby. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you. I can’t put into words what this means.
“All I ever wanted to do when I was a kid was play international rugby. You trusted me, and to represent you 45 times is the greatest honour of my life.
“I never took it for granted. I understood the criticism that would follow, but I want you to know that every time I pulled on that jersey it filled me with an immense amount of pride.
“Unfortunately, not everyone gets their fairytale ending. This decision comes with a heavy heart.”