Ireland’s star wing Tommy Bowe is to return to Ulster from Welsh club the Ospreys and will resume playing for his native province next season on a contract until 2015.
The 28-year-old – who is in superb form scoring two tries against France in the 17-17 draw last Sunday to take his tally to five for the Six Nations this term – has been granted early release from his Ospreys contract to sign a new deal with the IRFU that will see him at Ulster for the next three seasons.
The 47-times capped Bowe has scored 24 Test tries and was a member of the Ireland team that won the Grand Slam in 2009 and that same year made three Test appearances for the British and Irish Lions on their tour of South Africa.
Bowe’s first spell with Ulster, from 2004-2008, saw him score 34 tries in 91 appearances and he helped the province win the 2004/05 Celtic League.
“Obviously, I have mixed emotions,” Bowe said on Tuesday.
“I’m sad to be leaving a club and a region that I have been proud to call my home for the last three years and that has improved me immeasurably both as a rugby player and as a person.
“That said, I am also delighted to be returning to Ulster, the Province I grew up wanting to play for and where my family live.
“(Ulster coach) David Humphreys was a mentor of mine in my early playing days and we have remained friends during my time at the Ospreys. His vision for Ulster is impressive, with Ulster born players at the core of this vision.
“I hope to repay the IRFU and Ulster’s faith in me by contributing to a team that is already delivering.”
Humphreys was looking forward to having Bowe on board for next term.
“We are delighted to be in a position to finally confirm that Tommy will be playing his rugby with Ulster next season and I’d like to thank the IRFU for their assistance in bringing him home,” former Ireland fly-half Humphreys said.
“Skillful, physical, and a proven finisher with a knack of being in the right place at the right time, there’s no doubt that Tommy has consistently been one of European rugby’s best players over the past few seasons and he’ll bring a lot of experience and flair to our backline.”