James Lowe: Ireland wing inks contract extension with Leinster while Connacht confirm departures

Ireland wing James Lowe has put pen to paper on a new deal with Leinster, the United Rugby Championship (URC) side has announced.

The 30-year-old, who recently helped Ireland win a Six Nations Grand Slam, has been a stalwart for both province and country over recent seasons.

His contract extension will come as a significant boost to the player ahead of the Rugby World Cup later this year as it secures his future in Dublin.

Joined Leinster in 2017

Lowe moved to Leinster back in 2017 after making a name for himself in Super Rugby for the Chiefs, but he could not force his way into New Zealand’s Test side, which prompted his switch to the northern hemisphere in a decision that has reaped rewards.

After arriving late for the 2017/18 season due to his commitments with Tasman Mako, he made up for lost time as he helped Leinster win the double.

He became eligible to play for Ireland in November 2020 and made his Test debut against Wales in the Autumn Nations Cup, scoring a try in the win.

2023 was his first taste of Six Nations silverware though as the hard-working winger played a significant role in helping Ireland to the Grand Slam.

Title success at Leinster

For Leinster, he has enjoyed lifting the PRO14 title in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 and will be hoping to add to that in the URC in the coming weeks.

Leo Cullen’s outfit are also still in the Champions Cup knockout stages as they prepare to face Toulouse later in April in an intriguing semi-final.

Lowe will no doubt once again play a vital role in their push for both trophies as Leinster look to finish the campaign strongly and with two titles.

Leinster also announced on Thursday that centre and former Ireland U20 captain Liam Turner, 23, has inked a contract extension with the team.

Connacht exits confirmed

Elsewhere in Ireland, Connacht have confirmed the players who will exit the club at the end of the season, as eight depart the Sportsground outfit.

As previously announced, double centurion Kieran Marmion (scrum-half) moves to Bristol Bears at the end of the campaign, while Shane Delahunt (hooker) and Alex Wootton (wing) have announced their retirements from professional rugby union.

Also leaving the URC outfit are Adam Byrne, Leva Fifita, Conor Fitzgerald, Seรกn Masterson and Ciaran Booth, Connacht confirmed on their website.

“The eight men have each made their own unique contributions to Connacht Rugby, so I’d like to thank them and wish them every success in the future, wherever their path may take them,” said director of rugby Andy Friend as he wished them all well.

“I’m sure they will get a well-deserved reception when we acknowledge them on the pitch after our final home game against Cardiff Rugby on Saturday.

“I also want to thank Mossy Lawler and Dewald Senekal, who finish up with us at the end of the season, after two years in the pro coaching team.

“They have both played very important roles in the development of the squad in that time, and to them and their families I wish them every happiness in the future.”

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