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James Lowe to leave Leinster after nine years and 101 appearances

Leinster have confirmed James Lowe will depart at the end of the season after nine years and 101 appearances, with the Ireland wing set to join Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in Japan's Rugby League One. His exit also ends his international career.

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James Lowe to leave Leinster after nine years and 101 appearances
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James Lowe will leave Leinster when his contract expires at the end of the season, the province confirmed, ending weeks of speculation over the Ireland wing’s future. The 33-year-old is set to join Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in Japan’s Rugby League One.

The New Zealand-born winger has spent nine years in Dublin, making 101 appearances and scoring 71 tries — a remarkable return that underlines his status as one of the most effective finishers in European rugby. The United Rugby Championship final against the Bulls on 19 June would be his 102nd and final outing for the club, should he be selected.

Lowe qualified for Ireland on residency grounds and went on to earn 45 caps under head coach Andy Farrell, cementing himself as a first-choice Test wing. He was also named in the 2025 British & Irish Lions squad. His departure from Leinster brings his international career to a close as well, with his final Test appearance coming in Ireland’s 42-21 Six Nations victory over England at Allianz Stadium — a match he was forced to leave midway through with a hamstring injury.

In an emotional statement posted on Instagram, Lowe reflected on what Ireland had given him beyond rugby. “Nine years. Nine unforgettable seasons,” he wrote. “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.”

Acknowledging the bittersweet nature of his exit, Lowe added: “Unfortunately, not everyone gets their fairytale ending” — though a potential URC title in his final match would represent a fitting send-off.

“Leinster Rugby, you took a punt on me many moons ago and I think we both got more than we bargained for,” he continued. “It has been an honour to represent this club.”

Lowe arrived in Ireland as a relatively unknown quantity from New Zealand and leaves as one of the province’s most celebrated backs, his journey from fringe signing to Lions tourist a testament to both his talent and his adopted country’s influence on his career.

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