Ireland’s James Lowe set to replace Cheslin Kolbe in Japan

Leinster's all-time record try scorer James Lowe is set to replace Springboks star Cheslin Kolbe at League One outfit Suntory Sungoliath, according to Irish outlet The 42.   

New Zealand-born Lowe, 33, confirmed his departure from the provincial side after nine years in Ireland in a post on Instagram on Tuesday.

The 45-cap international, who failed to agree new deal with the URC finalists, said: "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.”

The former Chiefs wing is expected to join Kosei Ono’s Suntory side on a two-year deal to fill the one vacant Category C (capped by a country other than Japan) spot on their roster.

© Leinster

Former All Blacks captain Sam Cane and ex-Wallabies international Sean McMahon complete Suntory’s three Category C slots.

"Unfortunately, not everyone gets their fairytale ending,” added Lowe who has scored 71 tries in 101 appearances for the Dublin-based team.

“This decision comes with a heavy heart."

The move will likely spell the end of his Test rugby career after turning down a reduced contract offer which would have paved the way for him to feature at next year’s World Cup for Andy Farrell’s Six Nations runners-up.

Former British and Irish Lion Lowe, a two-time Six Nations winner, started all five games for his adopted country at the 2023 World Cup and won his last cap in their away win against England in February.

Suntory were routed 69-23 by Dave Rennie’s eventual League One champions Kobe Steelers in the semi-finals and lost 26-19 to Saitama Wild Knights in third-place play-off on Saturday.

The Fuchu-based side have moved quickly to replace the league’s top points scorer Kolbe who is returning to his former club the Stormers.

Cash-rich Suntory were runners-up to Saitama in the inaugural League One final in 2022 and are yet to win the successor to the Top League competition.

Speaking after their loss on Saturday, Cane told RugbyJP.com: “Finishing fourth is not up to Suntory’s standards.” 

“We’re already looking forward to next season. We've been together for nine months now so the boys need a break. We put so much, physically and mentally, into this job. A break will do us good. We'll take some lessons from this season and put them into next year.”