Welcome, James Lowe.
Goodbye, Mike McCarthy.
It’s been a busy day for Leinster Rugby with the signing and departure of two big talents.
The club have announce the signature of Maori All Blacks star, James Lowe, and the departure of Mike McCarthy.
The 24-year-old Kiwi is coming from a background of Super Rugby with the Chiefs and is probably the best man the province could’ve signed outside a Test-capped player.
The fact that he hasn’t played for the All Blacks yet is not down to his talent or development, it’s down to the fact that he’s from bloody New Zealand where they have no shortage of backs and no shortage of world class ability in the ranks.
Leo Cullen told LeisnterRugby.ie that they had been chasing the acquisition for some time.
“James is a quality and still relatively young outside back that we have been tracking for some time, so we are delighted that he has agreed to join us,” the Leinster head coach said.
“James has picked up considerable experience from his time with the Tasman Makos, the Chiefs and the Maori All Blacks. We hope he can bring the learnings from his time spent with these teams and really add to our environment here.
“We believe James will greatly add to the outside backs that we have and provide good competition in the squad as we look to remain competitive in both the Guinness PRO12 and the Champions Cup.
“We look forward to welcoming James to Leinster and seeing him out on the field representing the team once his commitments in New Zealand come to a close.”
Meanwhile, Leinster and Ireland forward Mike McCarthy is headed for France in a move that could effectively end his international career.
The 35-year-old will join Racing Club Narbonne on a two-year contract whilst Leinster have already seemingly prepared for his exit with the arrival of World Cup finalist Scott Fardy of Australia.
🚨 RECRUTEMENT
Mike McCarthy (deuxième ligne Irlandais) rejoint le RCNM pour 2 saisons ! pic.twitter.com/bVwk3XjvkP— Racing Club Narbonnais (@RCNarbonnais) March 6, 2017
.@mikemccarthy6 to join Narbonne at the end of the 2016/17 season – https://t.co/L2NuaPkMi3 #ThanksDad pic.twitter.com/MsOeeusB1D
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) March 6, 2017
Whilst the departure of McCarthy is a bit of a blow, Leinster fans and rugby fans in general are caught up in Lowe excitement.
@jameslowenz is a super signing for @leinsterrugby , along with @Scottfardy it is certainly a statement of intent for next season #COYBIB
— Graham Kelly (@grahaminireland) March 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/JACK_SHITE/status/838749201550954496
Can't wait to see James Lowe in the @PRO12rugby
Great signing for Leinster and the league.
— Paul Williams (@thepaulwilliams) March 6, 2017
Is it any wonder everyone is excited? He’s the number 11 involved in this ludicrously glorious try for the Chiefs.
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