Kiwi James Lowe reiterates interest in declaring for Ireland

James Lowe says he would like to play for Ireland

Leinster's James Lowe. Photo: Sportsfile

James Lowe says he would like to play for Ireland

Leinster's James Lowe. Photo: Sportsfile

James Lowe says he would like to play for Ireland

David Kelly Twitter Email

January 25 2019 02:30 AM

Leinster's flying Kiwi wing James Lowe has reiterated his desire to represent Ireland once he becomes eligible under residency rules in 2020.

Lowe was one of the last players recruited by the IRFU in conjunction with Leinster before World Rugby's eligibility ruling was tightened up.

And he has proven himself to be a devastating finisher, scoring 17 tries in just 23 appearances as he helped his new club to a domestic and European double last season.

"We'll see how we go," said the 27-year-old who was once rated as a future All Black.

"There's contract negotiation to go before that! So I don't know. Ah, it's an exciting prospect. It's about 18 months out.

"One of the other Kiwis on our roster is a little bit closer than that. So it'll be interesting to see what happens there.

"I've always wanted to test myself on the higher stages so if the opportunity does come about, yeah, we'll see how we go."

Leinster will allow Rob Kearney and Jack McGrath to prove their fitness ahead of next week's Six Nations opener when they start against the Scarlets in tonight's PRO14 RDS clash but Dan Leavy again misses out.