James Lowe says “not everyone gets their fairytale ending” as he confirmed he will leave Leinster and Irish rugby at the end of the season.
Lowe, 33, joined Leinster in 2017 and has scored a club-record 71 tries in 101 appearances.
The New Zealand-born back has been a hugely influential figure for Ireland, earning 45 caps since his debut in 2020 after qualifying through residency.
He has helped Andy Farrell’s side win two Six Nations titles and also represented the British and Irish Lions in last year’s series win over Australia.
With Leinster, Lowe has won five United Rugby Championship titles, the 2018 Champions Cup and is set to play his final game in the URC final against the Bulls at Croke Park on 19 June.
Before Ireland’s Six Nations win over Scotland in March, which secured the Triple Crown, Farrell said he expected both Lowe and centre Bundee Aki to sign new contracts.
But while Aki agreed a new one-year deal to stay with Connacht, Lowe is set to leave and has been strongly linked with a move to Japan’s Suntory Sungoliath, which would halt his Ireland career a year out from the Rugby World Cup in Australia.
“I find it difficult to put into words what Ireland means to me,” Lowe said in a statement.
“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 friendship that we will have for the rest of our lives.”
Lowe, who has scored 17 tries for Ireland, also thanked Irish Rugby “for giving me the opportunity to represent you”.
He added: “Unfortunately, not everyone gets their fairytale ending. This decisions 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.”
More to follow.