James Lowe's tenure at Leinster ended after a remarkable nine years, culminating in a victory against the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship final at Croke Park. Lowe, who hails from New Zealand, has been a pivotal figure in Irish rugby, gaining 45 caps since his debut in 2020 and featuring prominently in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. His rumored move to Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath in Japan as a replacement for Cheslin Kolbe has sparked discussions about the impact of his departure.
Jackman's frustration is palpable as he discusses the IRFU and Leinster's failure to secure Lowe's stay. "I think he’s a massive loss. I have massive anger (and) frustration around how it happened," he revealed, emphasizing that Lowe had expressed a desire to conclude his career in Ireland. Jackman further explains, "He’s on the record as saying that he wanted to finish his career in Ireland. He says he wants to live in Ireland after he finishes playing."
"I think he has been absolutely crucial. The way Andy Farrell plays, his power on the edge, his ability to offload, his partnership with (Jamison) Gibson-Park,"
Lowe's influence extends beyond his on-field prowess. Known for his dynamic style of play, he has also been a critical figure off the field, beloved by fans and teammates alike. "He's just a good bloke," Jackman adds, highlighting his popularity and character which resonated well with the rugby community.
Despite recent signings like Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane, Jackman argues that Lowe's presence was undervalued, which reflects a misjudgment by Irish rugby's governing bodies. The decision not to select him for the Nations Championship games due to his upcoming move, based on IRFU's policy of not selecting overseas-based players, is another point of contention. Jackman questions, "But in a situation like this where effectively the decision was kind of made by Ireland, right? Or Leinster, I think it’s hard to punish him for that because he was willing to stay."
Reflecting on Ireland’s historical context, Jackman recalls the national team's decision to continue selecting Johnny Sexton during his tenure with Racing 92, suggesting a precedent for flexibility that was not extended to Lowe. He worries about the lack of a direct replacement for Lowe, especially in high-stakes scenarios such as World Cup fixtures.
Ultimately, Jackman's commentary not only highlights the strategic loss of James Lowe but also calls into question the broader administrative decisions affecting Irish rugby. As the sport looks towards future international competitions, the ripple effects of Lowe's departure might be felt more acutely than anticipated.
