Tokyo Suntory Sungoliath have signed Ireland wing James Lowe on a two-year contract, with the New Zealand-born winger filling the vacancy left by Cheslin Kolbe, who has returned to the Stormers after three seasons in Japan.
Lowe, 34, departs Leinster after contract extension talks broke down, ending a stint in Dublin in which he scored a record 71 tries, won the Champions Cup once, six URC titles, and earned two Lions caps during last year's series win over Australia. He also accumulated 45 Test caps for Ireland, winning two Six Nations titles including a Grand Slam, and featured at the 2023 World Cup.
His deal with Suntory runs to 2028, almost certainly ending any prospect of an Ireland recall for the 2027 World Cup. Andy Farrell has not closed the door entirely, but the IRFU has not selected an overseas-based player since Johnny Sexton's stint at Racing 92 in 2015.
"To everyone in the Suntory Sungoliath family, my family and I are incredibly excited to begin this new chapter," Lowe said. "I will do everything I can to earn the trust of my team-mates, coaches and supporters. I want to bring energy, physicality and a positive attacking mindset to the team."