James Lowe hits out at critics following Lions inclusion
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Not going anywhere.
Ireland winger James Lowe has hit out at critics following his inclusion in Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions squad ahead of this summer’s tour of Australia.
The New Zealand-born star is one of several players included who were not born in Britain or Ireland, having qualified for the men in green through residency with Leinster.
Lowe joins the likes of Bundee Aki, Sione Tuipulotu, Mack Hansen, Duhan van der Merwe, Jamison Gibson-Park and more as ‘foreign’ players in the Lions squad, with several pundits, ex-players, and journalists bemoaning their inclusions.
But speaking to RTE, Lowe has fired back at his critics.
“When you don’t have the blood running through your veins, there is a little bit of that,” Lowe told RTE.
“When I was first selected for Ireland, all the people come out of the woodwork saying, ‘How is this person representing Ireland?
“I’m sure it was the same for Sione [Tuipulotu], but the rules are there. We’ve all done our time. I am fully embedded in the culture of Ireland. Sione captained Scotland. You don’t have to question where his allegiance lies.
Lowe added that Ireland is now his home and will continue to be for the foreseeable future, with both his sons born on the Emerald Isle.
“Leinster and Ireland have given me everything. They’ve made me a lot better as a rugby player, they’ve looked after me physically and they’ve given me time off to get back to New Zealand when I need it,” Lowe adds.
“It’s something I’ll forever be grateful for. The boys still slag me for my accent, but we are so well connected in so many ways.
“Everyone’s got a different story. My story didn’t start in Ireland. But I can see it ending in Ireland. My two kids were born in Ireland.
“My wife and I are super happy with everything Ireland has given us and we don’t see ourselves moving. We’ve got our residency and I don’t think you are going to get rid of us any time soon.”
