Ireland head coach strongly hints that James Lowe will be back in Ireland

Some light at the end of the tunnel....

The New Zealand-born winger is on his way to Tokyo's Suntory Sungoliath to take part in the Japanese Top League, where the colourful character is sure to be a big hit.

His try-scoring record speaks for itself, with 71 tries in 103 games for Leinster and 17 in 45 appearances for Ireland.

Ahead of Ireland's clash with Australia on Saturday, head coach Andy Farrell spoke of the loss of Lowe, but also gave an indication that the 33-year-old will return to these shores at some stage.

He said: “Well, I’m disappointed for us. He’s a larger-than-life character and he’s a brilliant player, but we all know sport and the ins and outs and the intricacies of all of that.

“They become complicated from time to time, and sometimes it works out. Most of the time it works out for us, fortunately, but this time, obviously it didn’t. I know that James is delighted with the contract that he got in the end, and he’s onto a new venture.

“Hopefully, we’ll see him back in Dublin because at this moment in time, chatting to him, he sees his family coming back and settling down in Dublin.”