Changing things up.

Tommy Bowe is without doubt one of the best wingers Ireland has ever produced. The Ulster winger was instrumental in Ireland’s famous 2009 Grand Slam win, and played a pivotal role for the Lions during the 2009 and 2013 series’.

Over the last few years however, he’s had a difficult time with injuries, and hasn’t been himself. At 33 years of age, he perhaps doesn’t have that extra yard of pace anymore for an international Test winger.

There could however, be life in the old dog yet as Bowe has been deployed at 13 by Les Kiss in pre-season for Ulster. Bowe has played here previously for both the Ospreys and even the Lions. At one point many thought he would make the transition to fill the void when Brian O’Driscoll retired.

Bowe played there against Wasps last week and will be at 13 against Northampton this week. It’s a position that both Ulster and Ireland could use some more depth in and could see Bowe’s career revitalised this season if he can stay fit.

“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.” Kiss said.

“He has not [played there for a while] but he’s enjoying playing there – on the wing and then centre as well.”

“That’s what I’ve liked,” Kiss continued. “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.”