James Lowe Leinster exit confirmed: 'not everyone gets their fairytale ending'

The New Zealand native said the decision to leave Leinster was made with a "heavy heart"

James Lowe will leave Leinster after nine seasons with the province. He also won 45 caps for Ireland. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Clohessy

James Lowe has confirmed that he will leave Leinster at the end of the season. The winger, who won 45 caps for Ireland, has been linked with a move to Japanese side Suntory Sungoliath.

In a post on Instagram, the 33-year-old - who moved to Leinster from his native New Zealand in 2017 - said the decision came with a "heavy heart", also saying that "not everyone gets their fairytale ending". 

He departs the province as their record try scorer with 71 tries in 101 appearances. 

Leinster described him as a "true-blue legend" and added: "Let's give Lowey the send off he deserves at the URC Grand Final! Thank you for everything."

"Man, where do I begin?" Lowe wrote on Instagram. 

"Nine years. Nine unforgettable seasons.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"Ireland, you’ve given us so much more than just rugby.

"You gave us lifelong friendships, memories we will cherish forever, a place where our family grew, where our children were raised and where we have always felt supported and loved."

Lowe continued: "Leinster Rugby, you took a punt on me many moons ago and I think we both got more than we bargained for.

"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.

"To my teammates, past and present, thank you for the friendships, the laughs, the beers and for laughing at my shite gags.

"Last but definitely not least, to Irish Rugby. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you. I can’t put into words what this means.

"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.

"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.

"Thank you.

"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."