Bowe Injury Not As Bad As First Feared

Ulster wing Tommy Bowe has been ruled out for up to six weeks after undergoing surgery on a wrist injury. It was initially reported yesterday that he would miss the first three months of the season but the recovery process will not take as long as first feared

The 29-year-old damaged his wrist while playing for the British and Irish Lions against Queensland Reds, but made a quick recovery and started in the second and third Tests against Australia.

Bowe’s hasty return has come at a price and the Irish international will miss the start of Ulster’s RaboDirect PRO12 campaign, and possibly the Heineken Cup fixtures against Leicester Tigers and Montpellier.

“Ulster winger, Tommy Bowe, had minor surgery on his wrist on Wednesday afternoon to treat an injury he sustained playing for the British and Irish Lions in Australia during the summer,” read a statement from Ulster.

“The surgery went well and it is expected that Tommy will return to play in four to six weeks’ time.”

Bowe also missed the start of last season following surgery to repair a hernia, and he required a further operation last October when he ruptured his lateral ligament during a Heineken Cup game against Northampton Saints.

While the loss of Bowe will be a blow to Ulster, fellow Ireland wing Craig Gilroy is nearing full fitness after missing the end of last season with a groin problem.