James Lowe has confirmed he will leave Leinster and Irish rugby at the end of the current season, bringing to an end a highly successful spell in which he became one of the most influential players in Irish rugby. The 33-year-old New Zealand-born back joined Leinster in 2017 and went on to set a club record with 71 tries in 101 appearances, a mark that underlined both his consistency and his importance to the province’s attack. His final Leinster appearance is expected to come in the United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls at Croke Park on 19 June.
Lowe has also played a major role for Ireland since qualifying through residency and making his debut in 2020. He has won 45 caps, scored 17 tries and was a key contributor to Andy Farrell’s side as they claimed two Six Nations titles. He also featured for the British and Irish Lions in last year’s series victory over Australia, further cementing his standing as one of the leading backs in world rugby.
During his time with Leinster, Lowe collected an impressive trophy haul, including five United Rugby Championship titles and the 2018 Champions Cup. His departure will therefore mark the end of an era for the province and for Irish rugby, especially given the timing of the move in relation to the national team’s long-term planning.
Before Ireland’s Six Nations win over Scotland in March, which secured the Triple Crown, Farrell had suggested that both Lowe and centre Bundee Aki would sign new contracts. Aki has since agreed a new one-year deal to remain with Connacht, but Lowe is heading in a different direction. He has been strongly linked with a move to Japan’s Suntory Sungoliath, a switch that would end his Ireland career a year before the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
In a statement, Lowe said he found it difficult to fully express what Ireland had meant to him, describing the country as far more than just a place of work. He said Ireland had become home for him and his family, shaping both his career and personal life while also giving them friendships that will last forever. Lowe also thanked Irish Rugby for giving him the chance to represent the national team.
He acknowledged the emotional difficulty of his decision, saying that not everyone gets a fairytale ending and that he is leaving with a heavy heart. While he made clear his love for Ireland and his sense of belonging there, he said rugby can take players on unexpected journeys and that a new chapter now awaits his family.
Lowe’s departure will be felt strongly by Leinster and Ireland alike, given his record, experience and impact in big matches. His move closes a significant chapter in Irish rugby and raises questions about how both club and country will replace one of their most productive and charismatic performers.
