A major summer departure looks to be on the cards at\u00a0Leinster Rugby\u00a0with James Lowe expected to leave the province when his current contract expires next month.<\/p>\n
\u2b50 Save us to your Google Favourites <\/a>for nonstop RUCK content!<\/p>\n As first reported by RugbyPass<\/a>, serious doubts remain over the future of the Ireland international amid uncertainty surrounding his IRFU central funding status.<\/p>\n Lowe, 33, has struggled for game time since suffering an injury during Ireland\u2019s Six Nations clash against England and has featured only once since \u2014 against the Ospreys. Many supporters also noticed his absence from Leinster\u2019s latest contract announcement, which confirmed fresh deals for several senior stars including Jamison Gibson-Park.<\/p>\n The former Chiefs winger arrived in Dublin back in 2017 and has gone on to become one of the province\u2019s most influential signings of the professional era. His explosive carrying, huge left boot and eye for a big moment helped establish him as a fan favourite at Leinster while also becoming a central figure for Ireland.<\/p>\n It is understood Lowe has already spoken with clubs in England and France about a possible move this summer as interest in the experienced back continues to grow.<\/p>\n Northampton Saints linked with James Lowe<\/p>\n RUCK<\/a> understands that\u00a0Northampton Saints\u00a0could emerge as a serious option for Lowe should he leave Ireland.<\/p>\n Saints are expected to strengthen their back-three options following the departures of James Ramm and George Furbank, and Lowe\u2019s experience at both club and international level would make him a statement signing at Franklin\u2019s Gardens.<\/p>\n A move would bring the curtain down on a hugely successful chapter for James Lowe in Dublin, with the winger having played a key role in Leinster\u2019s domestic and European campaigns over the past seven seasons.<\/p>\n