James Lowe is set to replace Cheslin Kolbe at Suntory Sungoliath in Japan, signing a two-year contract with the prestigious League One club. During his tenure in Ireland, Lowe became a prominent figure at Leinster, contributing to a Champions Cup victory and six domestic championships. His performances earned him 45 caps for Ireland, including participating in their Six Nations victories and a World Cup campaign.
"To everyone in the Suntory Sungoliath family, my family and I are incredibly excited to begin this new chapter of our lives in Japan. I have always admired the passion for rugby, the respect shown both on and off the field, and the pride people take in representing their team. I am looking forward to learning more about Japan and its culture. It is a huge honour to join such a prestigious club. I will do everything I can to earn the trust of my teammates, coaches, and supporters. I want to bring energy, physicality and a positive attacking mindset to the team. I can’t wait to get stuck in! I can’t wait to meet you all! Yatte Minahare."
Meanwhile, Exeter Chiefs are bolstering their squad with the addition of Archie McArthur, a formidable forward from Gloucester. McArthur, a former England U20s player, has experience with both Wasps and on dual registration with Hartpury RFC. His arrival is part of Exeter's strategic effort to reinforce their front row following the departure of Scott Sio.
"Chiefs is a club with a strong culture, an amazing following, and a reputation for developing players, which all really appealed to me. From speaking with the coaches and seeing the ambition of the club, it felt like the right place to continue my development and challenge myself at the highest level. I want to contribute as much as I can to the team’s success, keep improving my game and help the club compete for silverware. I’m excited to get started and connect with the lads."
Rob Baxter, Exeter's Director of Rugby, expressed his satisfaction with McArthur's signing, noting his potential and acknowledging the areas where the club can aid his development. Baxter's comments highlight the thoughtful scouting and strategic planning that Exeter employs to maintain a competitive squad.
In Australia, the rugby scene is equally buzzing with Treyvon and Kadin Pritchard decisively rejecting NRL offers to stay with their Super Rugby Pacific teams. Treyvon will continue with Queensland Reds and Kadin with Brumbies, both having shown significant promise in the 2026 season. Their decisions are seen as a strong commitment to rugby union amid growing interest from rugby league teams.
Treyvon made a notable impact in his debut season, scoring two tries in 12 appearances for the Reds. Kadin's performances for the Brumbies not only solidified his spot on the team but also piqued the interest of former Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt. Their choices reflect a growing trend of young athletes opting to remain in union, likely influenced by the game’s international opportunities and professional development paths.
The rugby community continues to thrive with these developments, reaffirming the sport's dynamic nature and its global appeal. As players shift clubs and commit their futures, the anticipation for the upcoming seasons builds, promising more thrilling rugby action across the globe.
