'I didn't get my fairytale ending' Ireland star James Lowe announces departure with emotional farewell
Ireland and Leinster superstar James Lowe has officially confirmed he will be leaving Irish Rugby at the end of the season. Recent reports have suggested he could be joining Japanese side Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath on a two year deal.His current contract with Leinster expires at the end of the campaign, with longstanding expectations of renewal. Head Ireland coach Andy Farrell also made note earlier in the year of Lowe being included in his World Cup plans.However, the New Zealand native, 33, has now released a lengthy statement on Instagram about his departure, and thanking the Irish fans."Nine years. Nine unforgettable seasons," Lowe stated. "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."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."It's believed, Lowe wasn't pleased with how the negotiations went regarding the possible renewal of his contract. He has actually never held an IRFU central contract but instead played through his Leinster deal..Reports in the42.ie have suggested that the salary was a key contributor to the decision to leave. The IRFU did contribute to his salary thanks to a player-of-national-interest arrangement, but this time around it's believed that contribution was significantly less.Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath are in Japan's Rugby League One and one of the biggest clubs in the country, captained by former All-Blacks Sam Crane. They reached the League One semi-finals, but the league was won by Steelers.Lowe was capped 45 times for Ireland, and was a member of the 2023 Grand Slam team.He will be playing in the URC final with Leinster in Croke Park later this month. He leaves as Leinster's record try scorer, 71 tries in 101 appearances since he joined in 2017.Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond
