James Lowe set to leave Irish rugby as reason for departure is revealed

What a shame!

The 33-year-old was offered a new deal, but has decided to depart at the end of his current contract.

Unfortunately for Andy Farrell and Ireland, this could leave them without one of their key men ahead of their World Cup campaign in 2027.

The English coach admitted he expected Lowe to stay on at Leinster two months ago. However, reports from The 42 suggest Lowe is on his way out of Irish rugby.

"They've been fantastic players for us, servants for Irish rugby, and will continue to be," Farrell said about Lowe and Bundee Aki.

"Obviously that [their contract] is not up to me to comment on, but I’m sure these things will get done down the line."

Things have obviously not been "done down the line" and Lowe is said to be disappointed with how his contract has been handled.

Last November, Lowe described the World Cup as his, "north star" and "something you really want to get to."

Despite being a pivotal name in Irish rugby, the 33-year-old was never offered a "central" contract by the IRFU, meaning he has always remained under Leinster's "provincial contract".

Thus, leaving Leinster in complete control over his signature terms and in the end Lowe was offered a lower salary.

Something that the New Zealand-born man didn't feel reflected his quality.

In result, contract talks have broken down without an agreement which is seen as a quite a disappointment to Ireland's head coach Andy Farrell.

Lowe has had his position deputised for Ireland by Jacob Stockdale and Tommy O'Brien, yet Farrell was open in saying he wanted Lowe to stay in the mix until 2027.