Opinion: Lowe Blow
Dissecting the biggest departure in almost a decade
A week that promised excitement and intrigue, turned into one of mourning around South County Dublin and its leafy surrounds. Man of the hour for the better part of a decade James Lowe, will not be at Leinster next season, and with the news came an avalanche of anguish.
Natural, and never to be apologised for, a charismatic emblem at the forefront of “this era” of Leinster Rugby; there is no doubt that the loss of the winger’s talents are as much about his on-field abilities as much as his everyday persona.
The destination remains unconfirmed, albeit it matters little to the national conversation sparked up in the aftermath of a failed contract negotiation. Neither James Lowe, his adoring fans, Leinster, nor the IRFU wanted this unsatisfactory ending to the 33-year-old’s stint in Ireland; yet here we are.
But how?
The most blasé route to take the conversation is one not too dissimilar to “it is what it is”. Not designed to poo-poo the departure, but rather accept that once a generation is a decent return between losses of marquee players.
Not since Johnny Sexton in 2013 have Leinster lost such a talismanic figure, as they became the primary beneficiaries of the old Central Contracting model, where the IRFU began to pay 100% of the wages of five, then six, then eight and then 11 Leinster players.
To go that long without a major loss is a blessing that not even the rich French clubs would have. Yet it has been portrayed, in some rarified air, as an attempt by the IRFU to derail their “most successful province”. Utter horse manure if you ask me.
The IRFU are in place to serve the best interests of the entire game in Ireland, not to fund a quest for stars on one jersey. I for one believe James Lowe remaining in Ireland is better for everyone; but far be it for provincial fans to feel sympathy given their own harsher financial restrictions in years gone by.
Another firm argument would be that Leinster are merely counting the cost of borrowing from their future. The David Nucifora infused push across 2022 to 2024, at a time where other provinces were tightening their belts in a manner Charlie Haughey would be proud of; Leinster were moving Irish stars off budget, and signing Jordie Barrett, RG Snyman and later, Rieko Ioane.
That was unsustainable, at least in a provincial construct.
My chat with Jamie Wall of the DSPN Rugby, chatting all things Ireland
Although Leinster are a club with some wealthy benefactors, a decent chunk of their playing budget is funded by a Union. Therefore, their actions cannot be disconnected from their local rivals with a mere waving of a hand.
It’s why comments of “make it work”, that were bandied about about Peter O’Mahony in 2024, could just as easily be thrown at Leinster now. But again, that would miss the point.
The point being that Leinster were in fact also living way beyond their means, and like Saracens, borrowed money from their future to pay for the now; but it’s time to cough up. When that happens, there will always be casualties of top billing.
It could also be argued that James Lowe’s decision to apparently turn down a truncated contract, has added a threat to Irish contracting in a way not seen for quite some time. Donnacha Ryan and Simon Zebo’s moves to Racing 92 were the last time players in an Ireland squad did not sit around and instead jumped ship.
Both players signed in 2017. It’s a long time ago.
As a bastion of the overall game in Ireland, and someone who wants to see every national and provincial side thrive, I do not envy the feeling of apathy Leinster fans may feel towards the Irish rugby ecosystem in the weeks, months and maybe even years to come.
They will walk a lonely path, but not the one less travelled. Connacht went first. Then Ulster and then Munster. Being the last one to walk down the road, if anything, is a privilege.
It is because of Leinster’s consistency that they have had to delay the inevitable for so long, but now it is here. Ross Byrne, James Lowe, Luke McGrath, Ross Molony, Ciarán Frawley all gone over the last three seasons, and it will continue.
And with it, Leinster fans, however incensed they are now, will have to come to terms with the natural life cycle of team sport that they had forgotten about for a long time.
Great piece!