**Leinster fans had reason to rejoice at the start of this week when it was confirmed that influential winger James Lowe will remain with the Irish province for another three years.** The 27-year-old has signed a new deal with the reigning Guinness PRO14 champions, having gone back to his native New Zealand in March when Covid-19 halted the season. He joined Leinster from the Chiefs in 2017 and has been terrorising Championship defences ever since but news of his new deal could also be very well received by the Irish national team. Lowe will become eligible for Ireland through World Rugby’s three-year residency rule and we start today’s Media Watch with [the Belfast Telegraph’s look](http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/rugby/how-james-lowe-will-be-last-of-his-kind-when-his-ireland-debut-arrives-39326704.html) at what he could bring to Andy Farrell’s side. Sticking with Leinster, the club organised a unique virtual ‘Town Hall’ event via Microsoft Teams last week in association with the Official Leinster Supporters’ Club. The hour-long discussion with CEO Mike Dawson and head coach Leo Cullen answered a variety of questions submitted by supporters, including [a transfer wish-list and the RDS redevelopment](http://www.leinsterrugby.ie/dawson-cullen-virtual-town-hall/). Over at Connacht, the first three groups of professional players returned to the Sportsground yesterday to commence training after more than 100 days off-site.
