LEINSTER FANS TUNING in to watch the Chiefs in Super Rugby this season will have been growing more excited by the week about the signing of James Lowe.
While the 24-year-old Kiwi left wing hasn’t always been perfect, he has consistently shown flashes of his quality with ball in hand, as well as through his left-footed kicking game.
Lowe is a player whose intent is always to create something, with his footwork, acceleration, power in contact and offloading ability often making him a nightmare to defend against.
While Leinster already have plenty of back three options in their squad, Lowe looks like being an excellent addition.
His reputation as a highly positive presence off the pitch means he is sure to add to Leinster’s culture, while his fight to deal with rheumatoid arthritis - it left him bedridden as a teen and he still undergoes weekly treatment – demonstrates his strength of will.
On the pitch, his six tries in eight games have impressed, as have his stats for 17 offloads, 18 clean linebreaks and 29 defenders beaten.
Leinster captain Isa Nacewa is excited about Lowe’s arrival at the province next season on a three-year deal, with Lowe set to arrive in October or early November after playing for Tasman in the Mitre 10 Cup.
“I’ve watched him for the last two years, while I was at the Blues before I came back here,” said Nacewa before the Guinness Pro12 awards last weekend.
“He is one of the best left wingers in the world, he hands-down is. He brings in competition and it boosts Leinster. It was a no-brainer in trying to get him here.”
Nacewa said that although he doesn’t know Lowe personally, he “had conversations” when it became apparent that the Chiefs wing might be a possible signing.
“James is a class player,” said Nacewa. “His try-scoring record in Super Rugby alone is right up there. He just hasn’t been capped by the All Blacks yet. He is a phenomenal player.”
New Zealander Wayne Pivac – head coach of the Scarlets, who Leinster face in the Pro12 semi-finals in two weekends’ time – is aware of the quality Lowe will bring into the championship.
Pivac pointed to former Crusaders wing/fullback Johnny McNicholl as an example of how the Scarlets have benefited from dipping into Super Rugby, with Kiwi native McNicholl a possible future Wales international.
Lowe will also be able to serve a three-year residency term in order to qualify to play for Ireland, with changes in that regulation due to change only on 31 December, 2020.
And it is clear that Lowe has the playing potential to feature for Ireland in the future.
“He has done very well in New Zealand rugby and, for whatever reason, he probably thinks he’s not going to be an All Black,” said Pivac of Lowe.
“There are a lot of good players ahead of him. When do you make the move? If you are young enough under the current rules to play three seasons and play international rugby potentially up here.
“Jared Payne is a classic example, isn’t he? The New Zealanders see guys like that playing international rugby and think, ‘Well, if I can’t be an All Black, the next best thing is playing for another nation.’
“[Lowe] is a very good player, I like him. He’s a strong runner. He’s an all-round footballer, a lot of skill.
“I think he will do well, unfortunately!”
- This article was updated at 7.50am to reflect World Rugby’s confirmation that the residency regulation will change only on 31 December, 2020.
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When will this blatant poor refereeing end.
@Barry Kelleher: never. Ref mistakes are part and parcel of the game. Even VAR won’t eliminate mistakes
@IrishSportives.ie: Things that are up to interpretation will probably never be fully corrected but both of these decisions would have been overturned.
@IrishSportives.ie: Decision wasn’t even a close one as he was clearly off
@Barry Kelleher: where was Var?
Every game for about three months now Man City have gotten decisions in their favour. Bad ones too, going right back to Kompany cleaning out Salah as the last man but getting a yellow… Offsides, penalties. It’s remarkable.
@James Doyle: poor James
@David Weston: you get me wrong, man. I’m delighted City have another game in April.
Just pointing out the reality of this incredible lucky streak they’re on with refs, and keeping in mind the old maxim “it all evens out over a season”.
There’s some evening out to be had, in that case. And that will be fun.
Offside winner and the penalty was never a foul. VAR can’t come soon enough.
The more games they play the better for Liverpool
@Willy Motley: go on….
Was a great tackle to win the ball for pen. How could they not see change in flight. Var should be in every stadium
@Yorkie1892: it is in Swanseas stadium but can’t be used as there not in the top division of the game was at the eitihad car would have been used
@Colm Connolly: Ridiculous though, they had VAR there last season but they went down a division so the FA won’t have it implemented there.
It’s a shame such a prestigious cup is rigged
It was a valiant effort overshadowed by poor refereeing. Bercant Celina has been electric all season. Come you Jacks.
@Succulent Goujons: and Danny James tearing Otamendi and Laporte new ones. Shame they aren’t that motivated more often!
Selective VAR introduction making a mockery of the FA Cup yet again..