Ryan Bailey reports from the Aviva Stadium
FIT AND RARING to go after another cruel injury setback which led many to wonder if he’d ever be able to resurrect his career, Tommy Bowe is back and enjoying a new lease of life ahead of the Ulster’s campaign opener.
The Ireland international had been sidelined since March with a leg injury he sustained during the Six Nations clash with Wales, but is now back to good health after taking a full part in pre-season.
Bowe came off the bench for his first appearance in five months during Ulster’s friendly defeat to Wasps last week and will be involved again when the northern province face Northampton on Friday.
With Andrew Trimble and Craig Gilroy operating on the wings, Bowe slotted into the 13 position when he came on against Wasps and Les Kiss said he’ll do the same this week.
“I’m really happy to see where Tommy is,” the Ulster director of rugby said at this morning’s Pro14 launch.
“Probably the real difficult times last season were when he seemed to be there but wasn’t quite there. He’s certainly got a real purpose out him this year. He looks more comfortable. I like the way way he looks.
“We used him at 13 last week and we’ll use him again at 13 this week [against Northampton] and see how it goes there. It’s going to be good; try to build that flexibility with him there again. He’s in a good place.
“He has not [played there for a while] but he’s enjoying playing there — on the wing and then centre as well.”
When asked if he has seen a new-found spring in Bowe’s step since returning over the summer, Kiss added: ”That’s what I’ve liked. He’s done session, on session, on session. He has trained at wing and centre. He has natural leadership ability and he is a statesman in the place now.
“A good, wise head for the young lads around him and I’m really happy with how he’s been going. Tommy has always been a resource for us within the team but he’s a wiser player now, for sure. We rely on him, mentally, to help some of those outside backs.”
Meanwhile, Kiss confirmed that Jared Payne has been given the medical all-clear after his Lions tour was cut short by ongoing migraines.
The Ireland centre underwent specialist tests in Wellington in June after reporting headaches during the game against the Hurricanes, but Kiss said it ‘wasn’t sinister.’
“For Jared, it was a big year for him,” he said. “The kidney [damage] and the recent thing with the Lions, so he is looking forward to getting back into some consistency of practice, preparation and getting back out there. Because he’s pretty important to us when he is at his best.”
“It [the medical reason for his tour ending early] wasn’t sinister,” Kiss added. “It was just around migraines so he’s just getting his head around what that is and whether it can repeat itself in the future, which it can. But he’s in a place now where he can work away and see how he goes.”
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Looks like they are going to tear lumps out of eachother! Can’t wait to see it
Yes, at around 4am is my guess
Cheers lad
Mcgregor and Poirer playing the crowd really well for this!..Two good fighters who know how to sell tickets!..big pay day in store for both..going to be a great fight as well!!
Throw the flag on the ground. Classy.
Keyboard warrior #classy
I’m sorry, forgot about the hero-worshipping bandwagon I’m supposed to be on. I’ll only make inanely trivial comments from now on so that nobody calls me a keyboard warrior and the masses of fanboys don’t red thumb me.
Sounds like a decent plan
100% with you Oisin
Oisin + Noggy, the problem in this country is, if you don’t follow GAA or Soccer and adhere to the masses, then morons (not calling either of you morons) can’t help but criticise and put down the less followed sports like MMA. I follow rugby and MMA and only comment on those two sports and keep my opinions of other sports to myself. It’s a basic show of respect that lacks greatly among a fair few people that comment on sports articles.
That’s fair enough Gary and I agree with you on the mainstream sports point. I only have a passing interest in MMA – I’m not attacking it and my issue with disrespect of the flag as nothing to do with MMA directly. I’d make the same point about Robbie, BOD, Gooch, Katie, Harrington, Sonia if they threw the tricolour on the floor like that. Or any non-sports person for that matter.
The morality is just nauseating. How about the adrenaline? Think this one through oisin. He brings tri colour out on shoulders throws it to the ground in an effort to disrespect it? Indeed. Build a bridge and get over it….. analysis paralysis and every move pro sports people make. it’s too much sometimes
What time will this be on in Ireland and will it be on BT Sport?
Oh man I literally can not wait for this fight ! Loving the hype . McGregor is a master showman which is why he has this level of exposure after his third UFC fight. For those that don’t like him there’s a simple solution, don’t read the post and don’t watch the fight! Nobody is forcing ye to. It’s that simple really.
Muppet
surly you guys have seen conor before , he hoists the flag and shows it with pride , im sure today the blood was flowing and thats the only reason he threw it .