'Unfortunately, not everyone gets their fairytale ending': Leinster confirm Lowe exit

Leinster have confirmed that James Lowe will leave the club at the end of the season, ending weeks of speculation about the Ireland wing’s future following initial reports by RugbyPass.

The statement was made shortly after Irish outlet The 42 reported that he is set to join Japan Rugby League One’s Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath.

The New Zealand-born Ireland international has spent nine years with the province, amassing 101 appearances and scoring 71 tries. The United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls will be the 33-year-old’s 102nd and final appearance, should he be selected.

During his time with Leinster, Lowe qualified for Ireland on residency grounds and went on to earn 45 caps under Andy Farrell, as well as selection for the 2025 British & Irish Lions. His departure will also bring his international career to a close, meaning his final Test appearance came in Ireland’s 42-21 Guinness Six Nations victory over England at Allianz Stadium, where he was forced off midway through the match with a hamstring injury.

In a statement shared on social media, Lowe wrote that “unfortunately, not everyone gets their fairytale ending,” although he can bow out with another URC title.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Leinster

11:30

19 Jun 26

Bulls

All Stats and Data

“Man, where do I begin?” Lowe wrote in a statement on Instagram.

“Nine years. Nine unforgettable seasons.

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

“Ireland, you’ve given us so much more than just rugby.

“You gave us lifelong friendships, memories we will cherish forever, a place where our family grew, where our children were raised and where we have always felt supported and loved.

“Ireland, thank you.

“Thanks a million for embracing a kid from a small town in New Zealand and making me feel at home.

“Thank you for the conversations, kind words, shows of support and every moment of encouragement.

“The warmth, generosity and spirit of the people here is something else.

“My family and I will forever be grateful.

“Leinster Rugby, 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.

“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.”