Leinster star James Lowe will be under the microscope when rugby returns with Ireland call-up looming on the horizon
ANDY FARRELL has confirmed James Lowe will be watched closely on rugby’s return ahead of his Ireland eligibility coming through in November.
But Simon Zebo needs to come home to get back in the reckoning.
Rugby resumes in a fortnight’s time with what will be the most hectic season ever with the culmination for the Pro 14 and Champions Cup followed by the end of the halted Six Nations.
Then the ‘new’ season starts immediately in November, with a new eight-team international tournament.
And that coincides with Leinster wing Lowe becoming eligible for Ireland under the residence rule following his move from the Chiefs in New Zealand three years ago.
His eligibility has long been circled on the calendar by Leinster supporters and Farrell admitted he will be watching closely, but he offered on guarantees.
A GREAT TONIC
The Ireland head coach said: “He’s been great. He’s been a great tonic for Irish rugby really and he’s played some outstanding rugby over the years.
“Like everyone else, we’ll see how he comes back and how he performs in the early parts of the season and there are plenty of big games in which he can put up his hand.
“He is in the same position as everyone else. He is available from the beginning of November and we need to make sure we get selection correct accordingly and he will be part of our plans in the same way as everyone else is.
“He’s a big guy, he’s strong, he loves getting on the ball as much as he can, he comes off his wing, he is hungry for the ball, he doesn’t like getting tackled that much, he has a great left boot and he is good in the air as well.
ALL-ROUND PLAYER
“He’s a great all-round player. I’m sure he can see parts of his game where there is room for improvement as well.
“Hopefully we can see him in top form so he can push his claims for selection.”
But as Farrell eyes up one flamboyant back to add to his Ireland armoury, another will remain out of the reckoning.
Racing fullback Zebo has not been selected, first by Joe Schmidt and now Farrell, since he announced he was leaving Munster for France in 2018.
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And Farrell said that, for the greater good of Irish rugby, he will not be changing that selection policy.
He said: “The unwritten rule is there to protect Irish rugby, so I'm all for that.
“If Simon Zebo, like anyone else, came back into Ireland and played his rugby here and was on top of his game, like we know that type of form that Zeebs can bring, then obviously we'd look at him the same as everyone else."