Tommy Bowe

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Thomas John Bowe (born 22 February 1984) is an Irish rugby union footballer from Monaghan, Ireland. He plays on the wing for Ulster and Ireland.

A former pupil of The Royal School, Armagh, Northern Ireland, Bowe made his international debut against the USA during the 2004 IRB Autumn Internationals becoming the first player from County Monaghan to win an Ireland cap since the 1920s. He marked his introduction to test rugby with a second half try. Bowe won further caps during Ireland's tour to Japan and their Autumn Internationals in 2005. With that experience and an impressive run of form for Ulster in the Celtic League, he made the 22-man panel for Ireland's 2006 Six Nation opener against Italy, and went on to score a try in that game.

After Ireland's poor first half against France in the following Championship match, Bowe was axed from the squad - prompting allegations of him being made a scapegoat by Ireland boss Eddie O'Sullivan. An injury-plauged latter part of 2006 precipitated a downturn in form, though a rejuvinated Bowe came back with 5 tries in 6 matches to earn his place in the Ireland's 2007 28 man 2006 Six Nation squad.