Farrell Discusses Lowe's Future with Ireland
James Lowe has earned 45 caps for Ireland since debuting under head coach Andy Farrell in 2020.
Farrell stated that while former Leinster wing James Lowe is unlikely to play for Ireland during his time in Japan, he did not completely rule out the possibility of Lowe being selected for the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
Lowe, aged 34, departed Leinster at the conclusion of the season after failing to reach a new contract agreement with the Irish province and United Rugby Championship winners.
The New Zealand-born winger has been a pivotal player for Farrell throughout his tenure, which has included two Six Nations titles and a Grand Slam in 2023. The head coach expressed his disappointment regarding Lowe's departure from the Irish setup.
Lowe has been strongly linked with a move to Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath, where he is expected to replace the outgoing South African wing Cheslin Kolbe.
Aside from Johnny Sexton’s two-year period with Racing 92, the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) maintains a policy of selecting only players who compete for one of the four Irish provinces.
"You know that we've held the line with that for many, many years and whatever, but we'll see how that plays out in the next 12 months," Farrell said when questioned about the IRFU’s policy on selecting overseas-based players.
"I mean, if we don't develop someone and bring someone through...I mean, push come to shove, we probably could have brought him out here. But is it the right thing to do to not develop someone and give people a chance?
"I think it's the right thing to do, to have a look and give people a bit of space to be able to do that. We'll see how that goes."
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Team Updates and Upcoming Fixtures
In related news, Joe Schmidt has ruled out a return to Leinster following his exit from Australia, while versatile Jamie Osborne has been given an opportunity to prove his credentials on the wing.
Lowe has confirmed his exit, ending any hopes of a 'fairytale ending' with Leinster.
Ireland currently face injury setbacks with wings Tommy O'Brien, Shayne Bolton, and Mack Hansen sidelined. Jacob Stockdale remains an option on the left wing for Farrell.
With Lowe unavailable, Jamie Osborne has been assigned the number 11 jersey for Ireland’s opening Nations Championship match against Australia in Sydney, scheduled for Saturday at 11:10 BST.
Ireland will also compete against Japan and New Zealand in July as part of their preparations for the 2027 World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia.
Farrell on Lowe’s Character and Contract Situation
Farrell described Lowe, who qualified for Ireland under the residency rule and debuted in 2020, as a "larger-than-life character."
"He's a brilliant player, but we all know sport and the ins and outs and the intricacies of all of that," Farrell commented on Lowe’s contract situation.
"They become complicated from time to time and sometimes it works out, most of the time it works out for us, fortunately.
"But this time, obviously it didn't. I know that James is delighted with the contract that he got in the end and he's on to a new venture."
Farrell emphasized that it is not his role to be involved in contract negotiations.
Looking Ahead Without Lowe
Farrell acknowledged that Lowe will be "thoroughly missed," but stressed the need to move forward.
"Somebody has to step up and take that mantle that James has done over the last number of years, superbly for Ireland.
"But at the same time, it's the same every campaign, every year. Something happens that takes you by surprise a little bit, and I suppose it's the same as us missing Caelan Doris on this tour, Ryan Baird on this tour, Paddy McCarthy, all of that.
"That's just rugby and that's just life and the stars didn't align for whatever reason.
"I certainly wish him all the best. I have done. I thanked him for everything that he's done for Irish rugby."
