Luke Fitzgerald hits out at ‘short-sighted’ IRFU over ‘very unusual’ James Lowe contract stand-off
James Lowe in action for Ireland and former Leinster and Test wing Luke Fitzgerald.
Former Ireland wing Luke Fitzgerald has urged the IRFU to do everything in their power to re-sign James Lowe amid concerns that he is set to go overseas.
The British and Irish Lion is out of contract at the end of the season but has yet to sign a new deal with the province.
Lowe is not on a central contract with the governing body, which means that Leinster have to cover the cost of his deal.
IRFU’s change to central contracts
The Dublin-based outfit also have to think about the financial burden of paying an extra 10 per cent for their centrally contracted individuals, with the IRFU upping it from 30 to 40.
Leinster are therefore understandably reluctant to offer terms for someone who could play more times for Ireland than does for the province.
The wing, who will be 34 in July, has also had his injury issues over recent years and has missed plenty of important Investec Champions Cup encounters.
Fitzgerald duly accepts Leinster’s stance and insists the onus is on the IRFU to step in and keep one of their prized assets.
“If he’s coming up against a rapid winger, maybe his top-end pace and his injury profile, if you combine those two things [it’s an issue]. He’s a heavier guy; it’s one of his best things, which is that ability to break a tackle, but maybe towards the end of your career, a guy playing such a power position it does weigh on you a little bit,” he said on The Left Wing podcast.
“I can see a version of why this isn’t the worst decision from their perspective; I feel from Ireland’s perspective, it’s very unusual that they’re not pushing to say, ‘Listen, let’s make an extra 100, 200k available for this guy – he’s a big player for us’.
Fitzgerald was joined on the show by journalist Jonathan Bradley, who stated that the IRFU should be listening to the national team head coach Andy Farrell.
“I completely understand why Leinster don’t want to pay the money, but I can’t understand why someone at the IRFU isn’t saying: ‘Our national head coach, who in terms of reputation remains the most important person in Irish rugby, [wants him to stay]’,” Bradley said.
James Lowe future uncertain as Leinster boss responds to exit speculation
Lowe’s value to Ireland
There are signs that Lowe might be on the wane, which is perhaps causing the governing body’s hesitancy; Fitzgerald still believes that he possesses immense value to Leinster and Ireland.
“Just make an executive decision and go, ‘guys, find an extra 100k a year, get this guy to stay’,” he said.
“It’s very short-sighted to not be managing the relationship. You can disagree over money, that’s all well and good, but he’s been a brilliant player for Leinster and Ireland.
“He’s something different that we don’t normally see in the game here, and then his skill set as well – his kicking has become absolutely vital. That cannon of a left boot is really valuable.
“It’s really taken pressure off whoever we’ve had at 10. I’m not sure he’s a straight starter but I like what he gives you going forward, even if he doesn’t maybe have that yard of pace [anymore].
“What he does give you is something different and an option, and even if he’s not starting, he would be a great bench option. In my mind he can kind of cover 15.”
