James Lowe to follow Bundee Aki out of Ireland this summer

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The 33-year-old’s CV is already circulating among clubs in France and England, with interest expected to grow after his impressive display in Ireland’s recent win over England.

Lowe was a key member of Ireland’s Grand Slam-winning squad in the 2023 Six Nations and remains one of Andy Farrell’s most dangerous attacking weapons. Since qualifying for Ireland through residency, the New Zealand-born wing has scored 17 tries in 45 Test appearances.

At provincial level he has been equally influential. Since joining Leinster from the Chiefs in 2017, Lowe has made 99 appearances and scored 68 tries, becoming one of the province’s most prolific finishers of the professional era.

Lowe may not be the only Ireland international weighing up a move abroad. Fellow Kiwi-born star Bundee Aki is also attracting interest from the Prem.

Reports from RugbyPass claim newly branded Prem side Newcastle Red Bulls are targeting the powerful centre as a marquee signing as they look to strengthen their squad.

However, they are not alone. Saracens and Leicester Tigers have also been linked with interest in the 34-year-old, while Sale Sharks are understood to be monitoring the situation as they assess midfield options for next season.

Aki has been one of Ireland’s standout performers in recent years and was among the best centres at the 2023 Rugby World Cup. With more than 150 appearances for Connacht since arriving in 2014, his experience and ball-carrying power make him an attractive target for clubs looking to add proven international quality to their midfield.

While the IRFU does not publish individual contract details, it is widely understood that its leading stars operate within a central first tier worth €500,000 to €650,000 per year plus bonuses, with the next bracket earning €350,000 to €500,000. Here are the five highest earners from Ireland.

Now 35, Bundee Aki remains one of Ireland’s most influential midfielders. Born in New Zealand, he qualified for Ireland on residency grounds before becoming an Irish citizen in 2024, while maintaining dual citizenship.

Aki has earned four caps for the British and Irish Lions and has played a major role in Ireland’s success, winning three Six Nations Championships, three Triple Crowns and two Grand Slams. At club level, he secured a Super Rugby title with the Chiefs before becoming a central figure at Connacht, where he also won the PRO12.

He is believed to earn between €350,000 and €500,000 per year, reflecting his continued importance to both province and country.

The only other non-Leinster player in this top five, Tadhg Beirne has carved out his own path to the elite tier. A product of the Leinster academy, he established himself at Munster, where he was named club captain in September 2024.

Beirne has delivered on major occasions. After undergoing ankle surgery during the 2023 Six Nations, he returned to play every minute of Munster’s run to the United Rugby Championship title that same season. His leadership, breakdown expertise and versatility across the back five have made him indispensable.

His earnings are understood to fall in the €350,000 to €500,000 bracket annually.

At 29, James Ryan is firmly in his prime years. He made his senior Ireland debut in 2017, scoring against the United States before even making his competitive debut for Leinster, a rare feat in modern Irish rugby.

Ryan later captained Ireland for the first time during the 2020 Autumn Nations Cup and remains a cornerstone of both the national team and Leinster’s pack. His leadership credentials and consistency have elevated him into the top earning tier, where he is believed to receive between €500,000 and €650,000 per year before bonuses.

Caelan Doris has rapidly developed into one of the most complete number eights in world rugby. His Ireland debut in the 2020 Six Nations lasted just four minutes due to concussion, but he returned stronger and quickly became a driving force in major victories over Japan, New Zealand and Argentina.

He was voted Irish Men’s Players’ Player of the Year in 2023 and has grown into a leadership role, captaining Ireland in the Six Nations and later being named squad captain ahead of the Autumn Nations Series. He was also nominated for World Rugby Player of the Year and selected at number eight in the World Rugby Dream Team.

Doris is believed to earn between €500,000 and €650,000 per season plus bonuses, reflecting his standing as one of Ireland’s central figures.

Tadhg Furlong is widely regarded as Ireland’s highest-paid player. The Leinster tighthead prop has been a cornerstone of the national team since making his debut in 2015.

He has started all three Tests on three separate British and Irish Lions tours to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia, a remarkable achievement for a front-row forward. His durability and consistent elite-level performance have placed him at the top of Ireland’s salary structure.

Furlong is understood to operate in the €500,000 to €650,000 annual range before bonuses and is reported to be among the ten highest earners in world rugby.