Ireland wing James Lowe departs Leinster without “fairytale ending” in emotional farewell

In 2016 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ireland finally secured their first-ever win over New Zealand in front of a packed stadium of 60,000 fans.

Sat in the crowd wearing an All Blacks top, and fresh from the previous day’s Māori All Blacks v USA Eagles match in which he scored two tries himself, a young winger had no idea of the career that lay ahead of him over the next 10 years representing Leinster and Irish Rugby.

James Lowe has been absolutely vital to the way Leinster and Ireland play and offers a wide array of skills, including rapid breaks, well-read intercepts, notable strength for a winger, classic corner touchdowns and his ever-reliable “bazooka” left boot, which on more than one occasion has got his teams out of trouble and back in the game.

Lowe’s strength was evident during the pool stages of the 2023 World Cup, where he not only stopped the mighty Eben Etzebeth but hoisted him off the ground and marched him back for a turnover.

For exclusive stories and all the detailed rugby news you need, subscribe to The Rugby Paper website, digital edition, or newspaper from as little as 14p a day.

WATCH THE LATEST RUGBY PAPER ROUNDUP HERE

Leinster talisman and Ireland star

Since joining Leinster in 2017, Lowe’s performances have helped the province remain a dominant force in Irish rugby, while his rise to international level has seen the New Zealand born winger showcase his ability on the highest stage.

He helped secure two Six Nations titles for Andy Farrell, including a Grand Slam, and impressively played every minute of the three-Test series in New Zealand, where Ireland recorded their first-ever series win over the All Blacks and climbed to the top of the World Rugby‘s international rankings.

More recently for Leinster, Lowe set a new record for most tries scored by a Leinster player with 71, overtaking Shane Horgan

A regular first-choice for boss Leo Cullen, who can deploy him on the wing or at full-back, his presence both on and off the field has been integral to his team-mates, while also providing consistent excitement for supporters and neutrals alike.

Emotional exit as Lowe prepares for Japan move

Sadly Lowe, 33, recently announced his retirement from Leinster and Irish rugby as he signs on with Tokyo based club Suntory Sungoliath and will most likely miss out on the World Cup as he winds down his impressive career.

Not the “fairytale ending” he described on social media, the decision has left fans disappointed, with many calling for him to stay on until the 2027 World Cup.

This was evident during Leinster’s game against the Fidelity SecureDrive Lions, when a comfortable 59-10 win over the South African side saw supporters across the ground chanting “one more year!”.

For my part, I was lucky enough to see him in person in Cardiff when he produced a basketball-style pass to Jamie Osborne, creating another try for Ireland.

From outsider to finding a “home”

In a heartfelt statement on Instagram, James Lowe spoke fondly of his time in Ireland and states that he still thinks of Ireland as home.

“I find it difficult to put into words what Ireland means to me” he 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 naïve 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.

Pride in green and blue

On his time at Leinster and with Ireland national team, he added: “You took a punt on me many moons ago and I think we both got more than we bargained for.

“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.

“To my teammates, past and present, thank you for the friendships, the laughs, the beers and for laughing at my shite gags.

“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 rugby 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.

A new chapter awaits

He concluded: “Thank you. Unfortunately, not everyone gets their fairytale ending. This decision comes with a heavy heart.

“I love Ireland. I call it home. But sometimes rugby takes you on journeys you don’t expect.

“A new chapter awaits us, and that doesn’t make saying goodbye any easier.

“Ireland, you’ve given us more than we could ever repay. Thank you for the memories. Thank you for the friendships. Thank you for accepting me.

“Thank you for making our family feel at home. I’ll see you again. With love, James Lowe.”

READ MORE: England to make late call on Maro Itoje’s summer involvement