Ex-Leinster star reveals poor form from IRFU which led to Lowe exit

Not great.

There had been a lot of speculation as to what specifically went wrong with his contract negotiations, that one of Ireland's top players could not be kept in the country.

While we knew Lowe was not pleased with the offers put forward by the IRFU and Leinster, he was gracious in his goodbye statement on Instagram.

He wrote: “Man, where do I begin?

“Nine years. Nine unforgettable seasons. I find it difficult to put into words what Ireland means to me. It’s become so much more than a place of work. It’s become our home.

“This country has not only shaped me, it has shaped my career, our family, and given us friendships that we will have for the rest of our lives.

“Ireland, you’ve given us so much more than just rugby. You gave us lifelong friendships, memories we will cherish forever, a place where our family grew, where our children were raised and where we have always felt supported and loved.

“Ireland, thank you. Thanks a million for embracing a kid from a small town in New Zealand and making me feel at home.

“Leinster Rugby, you took a punt on me many moons ago and I think we both got more than we bargained for. I didn’t understand what representing this club meant, but now I get it.

“It’s been some craic. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It has been an honour to represent this club. To my teammates, past and present, thank you for the friendships, the laughs, the beers and for laughing at my shite gags.

“Last but definitely not least, to Irish Rugby. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to represent you. I can’t put into words what this means. All I ever wanted to do when I was a kid was play international rugby.

“You trusted me, and to represent you 45 times is the greatest rugby honour of my life. I never took it for granted. I understood the criticism that would follow, but I want you to know that every time I pulled on that jersey it filled me with an immense amount of pride. Thank you.

“With love, James Lowe, Lowey, a kid from the 03.”

Ex-Leinster player and teammate of James Lowe, James Treacy, has given the best insight into what exactly went wrong at the negotiation table.

From his words, it was the IRFU who messed up in trying to keep the New Zealand-boen winger, by leaving Leinster to fork out for his contract.

Speaking on Off the Ball, Treacy said: "The powers that be, the IRFU trying to pull a quick one.

"My understanding is he had a one plus one year contract on the table and was expecting a renewal, the contract was agreed to last to the World Cup on the contract that he was already on.

"And in the dying hours, he was handed a letter to say that his plus one was going to be terminated, and a few days later was handed a new contract for half the money instead of renewing on the contract that they already had agreed on.

"They did have a right to exercise a termination. But if you're going to terminate, terminate, don't come back with an offer of half."