TOMMY BOWE IS ruled out or doubtful for Ulster’s remaining Heineken Cup group fixtures as the province this evening announce he faces four to six weeks out with a groin injury.

Bowe suffered the injury during Ireland’s narrow defeat and after the today’s scan result revealed a tear which push the two-time Lion to the sidelines for the Christmas period.

Ulster face Treviso in back to back meetings in the European Cup in the coming fortnight. Round five (in just under six weeks) will bring Montpellier to Ravenhill before the northern province go looking for a result in Leicester’s Welford Road in round six.

Head coach Mark Anscombe already had an existing injury concern in his back three as Jared Payne is also recovering from a groin problem.

If the Kiwi does not pass a late assessment this week, Craig Gilroy looks the most likely option at fullback. If Payne does pull through, the Ireland international will face competition from Michael Allen for Ulster’s left wing berth.

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