JAMES LOWE was signed to play for Ireland and, injury and pandemic permitting, he will make his debut in green during the busy autumn schedule of 2020. His rivals for the jersey will be less enthusiastic and it is Ulster winger Jacob Stockdale whose place is most threatened. After suffering a loss of confidence during the 2019 World Cup, Stockdale had a horror-show in the quarter-final against New Zealand. Ireland have a collection of talented backs but Lowe’s all-action style and in particular his offloading game set him apart. Lowe’s presence will light a fire under all of the back-three players.

Source: Irish Independent June 30, 2020 16:41 UTC