Leinster have announced the signing of James Lowe to Super Rugby's Chiefs.

The Maori All Black has made 39 appearances for the Chiefs with 18 tries to his name and has represented the Maori All Blacks on five occasions scoring six tries.

"James is a quality and still relatively young outside back that we have been tracking for some time, so we are delighted that he has agreed to join us", head coach Leo Cullen revealed.

"We believe James will greatly add to the outside backs that we have and provide good competition in the squad as we look to remain competitive in both the Guinness PRO12 and the Champions Cup.

"We look forward to welcoming James to Leinster and seeing him out on the field representing the team once his commitments in New Zealand come to a close."

Lowe will join up with his new Leinster team mates after the conclusion of the 2017 Mitre 10 Cup campaign which he will play for his home province Tasman.

"I am very excited by the challenge that lies ahead at Leinster Rugby", Lowe admitted.

"Everyone knows about Leinster and what they have achieved over the last eight years or so but I have also spoken to a few people that I know in Leinster and they have nothing but positive things to say about the club and city. I also really enjoyed my visit to Ireland with the Maori All Blacks last year."

"I am looking forward to getting stuck in and to making an impression at my new club and contributing in whatever way I can."

"Until that time my focus is on the Chiefs and Tasman and doing as much as I can to ensure that I leave New Zealand rugby on a high."