James Lowe has confirmed he will leave Leinster at the end of the season, bringing the curtain down on a nine-year stay in Irish rugby that yielded 71 tries in 101 appearances and 45 international caps.

The 33-year-old New Zealand-born wing is set to join Japanese side Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, a move that will almost certainly end his international career with Ireland just a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia.

Lowe’s departure had been widely anticipated in recent weeks after contract negotiations between the player and Leinster broke down. While he is understood to have been keen to remain in Ireland and target a place in Andy Farrell’s World Cup squad, a combination of a reduced provincial offer and a lower top-up from the IRFU as a “player of national interest” made the move untenable.

In a heartfelt statement posted on Instagram, Lowe expressed his gratitude for how Ireland had welcomed him and his family since his arrival from Super Rugby side Chiefs in 2017.

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

Lowe reflected on his early days in Dublin, admitting he had little idea of what lay ahead when he first touched down in Ireland nearly a decade ago.

“When I first arrived in Ireland, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was extremely naive 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.”

Since qualifying for Ireland through residency in November 2020, Lowe has been one of the most impactful wingers in world rugby. His 17 international tries in 45 caps came during a golden era for Irish rugby, with the left wing playing a central role in two Six Nations titles — including the 2023 Grand Slam — and featuring at the 2023 Rugby World Cup in France. He was also selected for the British and Irish Lions tour of Australia last year, starting the first two Tests in the series victory.

His final Test appearance came in Ireland’s 42-21 Six Nations victory over England at Allianz Stadium earlier this year, where he was forced off with a groin injury in the opening half. Under the IRFU’s longstanding policy of selecting only home-based players, his move to Japan will bring his Ireland career to an immediate end.

At provincial level, Lowe’s record speaks for itself. He recently surpassed Shane Horgan as Leinster’s all-time record try-scorer, and has collected five URC/PRO14 titles and the 2018 Investec Champions Cup during his time at the province.

In his statement, Lowe paid tribute to the club that gave him his start in European rugby.

“Leinster Rugby, you took a punt on me many moons ago and I think we both got more than we bargained for,” he wrote. “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.”

Lowe reserved his most emotional words for the Ireland jersey, acknowledging the scrutiny that came with representing his adopted country while making clear just how much it meant to him.

“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,” he said. “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.”

“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.”

Lowe’s departure comes at a bittersweet moment. While the move to Japan marks the end of his Irish chapter, he could yet bow out on the highest of notes. Should he be selected, the URC Grand Final against the Bulls at Croke Park on 19 June would be his 102nd and final appearance in Leinster blue — and an opportunity to add a sixth league title to his collection before heading east.

Before Ireland’s Six Nations victory over Scotland in March, head coach Farrell had indicated he expected both Lowe and Connacht centre Bundee Aki to sign new contracts. While Aki agreed a one-year extension, Lowe’s situation took a different turn, and Irish rugby must now plan for life without one of its most dynamic attackers.

His departure leaves a significant void on the left wing for both Leinster and Ireland, but Lowe’s legacy in Irish rugby is already secure — 71 tries, a Grand Slam, two Lions caps, and a place in the hearts of supporters who took a punt on a kid from a small town in New Zealand and watched him become one of their own.

Andy Farrell will remain Ireland head coach until the 2031 Rugby World Cup after signing a contract extension with the IRFU, the union confirmed on Friday morning. The deal ties the 51-year-old to Irish rugby for a further four years beyond his previous agreement and ends months of speculation linking him with the England job and a return to Saracens.

Farrell’s existing contract had been due to expire after the 2027 World Cup in Australia. The new terms carry him through to the 2031 tournament in the United States, meaning he will have led Ireland for 12 years should he see out the deal. He first joined the set-up in 2016 as defence coach under Joe Schmidt before succeeding him as head coach in 2019.

The extension represents a significant coup for the IRFU. Under Farrell, Ireland have won the Grand Slam in 2023, claimed back-to-back Six Nations titles in 2023 and 2024, and secured a historic series win in New Zealand in 2022. He also led the British & Irish Lions to a 2–1 series victory in Australia last year, with Simon Easterby and Paul O’Connell stepping in as interim coaches during his Lions commitments.

This year’s Six Nations brought near misses rather than silverware. Ireland finished second and collected the Triple Crown, but were denied the title on the final day when France beat England 48–46 in Paris. Even so, Farrell’s standing remains undimmed, and securing his future shuts the door on a potential move to take charge of England following Steve Borthwick.

His commitment also positions him as the front-runner to lead the Lions again when they tour New Zealand in 2029, further underlining why the IRFU were so determined to keep him in green.

IRFU chief executive Kevin Potts hailed the announcement. “We are delighted to secure Andy through to 2031,” he said. “He is a truly world-class coach and an exceptional leader who has helped shape Ireland as one of the most exciting and consistent teams in the world. His impact reaches far beyond what we see on the pitch — he has instilled a deep sense of pride, connection, inspiration and belief across Irish rugby, creating a culture that truly unites players and supporters and one that Irish fans at home and across the globe feel incredibly proud to stand behind.”

Performance Director David Humphreys underlined the importance of the deal. “Andy’s contract extension is a key investment in the long-term success of the Ireland Men’s National Team through until Rugby World Cup 2031,” he said. “This commitment to Irish rugby gives us real confidence as we look ahead and allows us to keep developing our playing group, strengthen our high-performance systems, and ensure alignment from the pathway right through to the senior team. Above all, it provides a stable platform to keep Irish rugby competing with the very best in the world over the coming years.”

Farrell said he was proud to extend his time in the role. “I am incredibly proud to continue this journey with Irish Rugby,” he said. “It is a privilege to work with such a talented group of players and staff, and to represent the supporters whose passion and unwavering support drive this team forward and inspire us every time we take the field. What excites me most is the increasing strength and investment in pathways and the quality of talent coming through. There is a real confidence in the system that has been built across the provinces and age-grade programmes, and I believe with sustained effort that the best is yet to come.”

Attention now turns to Ireland’s inaugural Nations Championship campaign, with the summer tour squad set to be announced in the next fortnight. Farrell’s side face Australia in Sydney on 4 July, Japan in Newcastle on 11 July and New Zealand in Auckland on 18 July. Beyond that lie the 2027 World Cup in Australia and the 2031 tournament in the United States — two cycles Farrell is now contracted to lead.

The IRFU has moved swiftly to secure the futures of four of Ireland’s most influential players, announcing contract extensions for Bundee Aki, Dan Sheehan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Josh van der Flier on St Patrick’s Day as Andy Farrell builds towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.

The announcement, made on Tuesday, comes days after Ireland sealed a fourth Triple Crown in five years with victory over Scotland at the Aviva Stadium, and provides a major boost as the IRFU simultaneously pursues Farrell’s own long-term future.

Key points

• Four Ireland internationals sign new IRFU contracts on St Patrick’s Day
• Dan Sheehan commits until 2029; Gibson-Park and van der Flier until 2028; Aki extends by one year
• All four were part of last year’s British and Irish Lions tour to Australia
• James Lowe remains the notable absentee from contract announcements

Staving off external interest

The signings carry added significance given the speculation that had surrounded several of the quartet in recent months. Gibson-Park had been linked with a move to France, while Aki — who missed the first three rounds of this year’s Six Nations through suspension following a verbal altercation with match officials during Connacht’s loss to Leinster — had been associated with a switch to the Gallagher Premiership.

Four key players all locked in. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/F3219LjtoC

— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 17, 2026

Gibson-Park’s two-year commitment is arguably the headline piece of business. The 34-year-old scrum-half was one of Ireland’s standout performers throughout this year’s championship, earning the player of the match award in the memorable 42-21 bonus-point win over England at Twickenham. He reached his 50th international cap against Wales earlier this month, and Leinster head coach Leo Cullen had already publicly expressed his desire to see the deal concluded.

Sheehan locks in for the long term

Sheehan’s three-year commitment secures one of the game’s most dynamic hookers through to 2029, covering two World Cups. The 27-year-old has scored 18 tries in 39 appearances for Ireland since his debut against Japan in 2021 — a remarkable return for a hooker — and captained the side in Caelan Doris’ absence during the Triple Crown-clinching win over Wales last year. He scored his 15th Six Nations try at the weekend against Scotland.

Van der Flier and Aki complete the quartet

Van der Flier, the 2022 World Rugby Player of the Year, won his 79th cap against Scotland and remains central to Ireland’s back-row plans at 32. His performances throughout this year’s Six Nations underlined his enduring value in the green jersey.

Aki, meanwhile, has been an influential figure in Ireland’s midfield since making his debut against South Africa in 2017. The 35-year-old has won 69 caps, claimed three Six Nations titles including two Grand Slams, and was nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year in 2023. He came off the bench in Saturday’s 43-21 victory over Scotland.

What they said

Head coach Andy Farrell described the commitments as a significant boost for Irish rugby.

“You cannot underestimate the outstanding contributions of these four players to Irish rugby over many years,” Farrell said. “That they see their futures here is a significant boost, which I have no doubt will delight Ireland supporters around the world.

“They are all key leaders who put their bodies on the line time and time again in reaching the highest standards on the field. All four players are a pleasure to work with and have played key roles throughout the recent Six Nations.”

IRFU Performance Director David Humphreys emphasised how the deals enable long-term planning.

“Today’s announcement is a positive one for Irish supporters coming off the back of a successful Six Nations and building into an exciting conclusion to the URC and European campaigns,” Humphreys said. “It also enables us to plan with confidence towards Rugby World Cup 2027 and beyond.

“That four key performers see their playing futures in Ireland is a strong endorsement of their ambition, allied to the competitive environments, high calibre of coaching, medical support and improving facilities across the provinces.”

What’s next?

Attention now turns to two significant pieces of unfinished business. Farrell himself is contracted only through to the 2027 World Cup and has been linked with both Saracens and England. The IRFU is expected to offer a package extending to the 2029 Lions tour, with Farrell indicating over the weekend that discussions are imminent.

Wing James Lowe remains the notable absentee from Ireland’s contract news. The 33-year-old was among the trio of overseas-qualified veterans reportedly offered to clubs in France and England ahead of this season, but unlike Aki and Gibson-Park, he has not yet signed a new deal. Lowe is currently sidelined with a groin injury sustained against England and is expected to miss Leinster’s Champions Cup round-of-16 clash with Edinburgh.

Cullen expressed hope that Lowe’s situation would be resolved soon, though he acknowledged frustration at the delay in concluding business this season.

Ireland finished second in the Six Nations after France’s Thomas Ramos kicked a late penalty to seal the title for Les Bleus, and will now turn their attention to the inaugural Nations Championship this summer before the World Cup in Australia next year.