Bernard Jackman on why James Lowe's Ireland exit is a "massive loss" and why he was 'absolutely crucial' for them

Bernard Jackman has described James Lowe’s recent departure from Leinster as a “massive loss” and highlighted some of his strengths which will be sorely missed at Test level.

Lowe finished a nine-year stint at Leinster and played his last match for the Irish province when they beat the Bulls in the United Rugby Championship (URC) final at Croke Park last month.

He has been heavily-linked with a move to Japan Rugby League One outfit Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath as a replacement for Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe.

Lowe won six URC titles (four in the PRO14 era) during his time in Ireland and picked up a Champions Cup winners medal in 2018, before becoming the Dublin-based side’s all-time leading try-scorer.

The New Zealand-born speedster’s performances for Leinster earned him a call-up to Ireland‘s Test side, and since making his debut in 2020, he has gone on to win 45 caps and represented the Emerald Isle at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Lowe was also selected for last year’s British and Irish Lions tour, starting two Tests against the Wallabies as the famous touring side secured a 2-1 series victory.

However, due to his impending move to Japan, he was not included in Ireland’s squad for their Nations Championship encounters against Australia, Japan and New Zealand.

While appearing on the DSPN podcast with Martin Devlin, ex-Connacht, Leinster and Ireland hooker the show’s host asked Jackman how big a loss Lowe is to Ireland and he pulled no punches in his response as he blamed the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Leinster for the 34-year-old’s departure.

‘IRFU and Leinster should’ve been able to get a deal done’

“I think he’s a massive loss. I have massive anger (and) frustration around how it happened,” he said. “I felt, I still feel the IRFU and Leinster should have been able to get a deal done.

“I mean, he was actually contracted for next year on a one plus one (contract).

“So, that’s basically your first year is guaranteed. And then by a certain date, both parties can make a decision to not enact the second year. But James was very happy to stay in Ireland.

“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. And the second year was pulled and then they offered him a much lower figure for the second year.

“With apparently in the end, they went back with some bonuses that could have got him some more money.”

Jackman went on to explain how important Lowe’s skill-set was to Ireland’s style of play and what they will be lacking without his services in the international arena.

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“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,” he said.

‘He’s just a good bloke’

“So, he doesn’t just park up on his wing. He’s busy around the ruck. His offloading game. His left foot kicking game has been a huge part of us, and I also think he’s just a good character. He’s just a good bloke.

“He’s very popular. You wouldn’t believe how popular he was with the fans and the kids.”

In recent seasons, All Blacks backline stalwarts Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane signed short-term contracts with the IRFU and Leinster but Jackman feels the governing body erred in not prioritising retaining Lowe’s services.

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“I think the powers that be didn’t realise. We signed Jordie Barrett, we signed Rieko Ioane to be that marquee signing. Well, we actually had one,” he said.

“We had one, James Lowe, who was absolutely loved. And look, he’s out there getting a good deal to go to Japan. I still have reservations around us not being allowed to pick him for (Tests), and it’s our own rule.

“It’s the IRFU rule that he can’t be picked. But we’re like, yeah, and I understand there’s reasons for it.

“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.

“And I also think this time next year, or now, getting ready for a World Cup.

“I mean, if we had an injury, I’m not sure we have a direct replacement for him, but certainly if we lost a winger and he’s fit and ready in Japan, we haven’t got past the World Cup quarter-final. We have a better chance of getting past the World Cup final.

“Depending who we play, if we have James Lowe available. So, yeah, I feel it was a mistake. And look, we’re not used to losing players.

“The last high-profile player we lost was Johnny Sexton when he went to Racing (92) in his late 20s. And Ireland at the time decided to keep picking him. So, you know, the rule has worked.

“It has kept players in Ireland, but this one’s a little bit different. It wasn’t necessarily, it didn’t play out the way normal contract negotiations play out. And I feel he’s a huge loss.”

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