Sat, 30 May, 2026 - 14:16

James Lowe set to leave Leinster at the end of the season

Lowe has been recalled to the Leinster team to make his 100th appearance for the province in their URC quarter-final against the Lions at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

James Lowe is set to leave Leinster and Irish rugby at the end of this season.

Lowe has been recalled to the Leinster team to make his 100th appearance for the province in their URC quarter-final against the Lions at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

However, contract negotiations have reportedly stalled with the IRFU, and the 34-year-old looks set to depart once this season ends.

This would mean he could not play for Ireland again, with Andy Farrell's men one year out from the World Cup.

Lowe has spent nine seasons with Leinster, where he has scored 69 tries, equal for the all-time record with Shane Horgan.

He has scored 17 tries in 45 Tests for Ireland yet has never been on a central IRFU contract, nor was his contract renewed to take in the 2027 World Cup.

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