It's been a busy day at Leinster HQ, with the province confirming one huge signing, while also saying goodbye to a veteran Irish International.
After recruiting Australian forward Scott Fardy on Friday, Leo Cullen's side have pulled off a real coup by announcing the signing of New Zealander James Lowe, on a three year deal from this summer.
The 24-year-old winger has scored 18 tries in 39 appearances for the Chiefs since making his Super Rugby debut in 2014, and has started this season with a real bang, crossing for three tries in his first two games.
While not yet capped by the All Blacks, the six foot two Lowe has played five times for the Maori side, scoring six tries, one of which came in their defeat to Munster last November.
For those unfamiliar with Lowe, the reaction to his departure in New Zealand tells you everything you need to know.
Chiefs wing @jameslowenz joining Leinster at the end of the year. Nooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!
— James McOnie (@JamesMcOnie) March 6, 2017
@jameslowenz scores for the Chiefs in the 10th minute of their Super Rugby game against the Highlanders.
🎥the tight five rugby union pic.twitter.com/rsf9T4mLTJ— EatSleepRugby (@eatsleeprugby) February 24, 2017
Leaving Leinster is Mike McCarthy, with the 35-year-old second row joining French ProD2 side Narbonne on a two year deal.
McCarthy arrived in Ireland in 2003, playing one season for Connacht, before returning to the Sportsground in 2007, following a three year spell at Newcastle.
He then moved on to Leinster in 2013, for whom he's played 75 times, winning a Guinness Pro 12 title in his first season.
The immensely popular second row has also played 19 times for Ireland since making his debut in 2011, the last of which came in the 2016 Six Nations defeat to France in Paris.
Leinster head coach Leo Cullen says the veteran will be sorely missed at the RDS.
"Since Mike joined Leinster from Connacht in 2013 he has been a key figure in the dressing room. He has made a huge impact during his four seasons at Leinster and has always been fully committed when he pulled on a Leinster jersey.
"I was fortunate enough to play with Mike and he was always a fierce competitor. It was always nicer playing with him than against him!"
@leinsterrugby @mikemccarthy6 Bon Voyage Big Daddy. #thanksDad
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) March 6, 2017
Another Irishman on the move is Ian Madigan, who has been granted an early release from his contract at Bordeaux-Begles.
The 27-year-old has signed a lucrative three year deal with Bristol, although it's likely he'll be playing in the Championship next season, with Bristol currently seven points adrift at the bottom of the Premiership.
He'll also link up with current Connacht head coach Pat Lam, who is taking over at Ashton Gate in the summer. All Black back row Steven Luatua has also signed up for Bristol next season.
