'We're going in the right direction' - Tommy Bowe Interview

It's only early in the season but experienced winger Tommy Bowe has high hopes for his current Ulster team for this campaign. At the start of the season, Bowe declared that him and his fellow Ulster squad members would be searching desperately for silverware, a search they could yet complete.

The 33 year-old winger has been playing regularly this season. He has also enjoyed thoroughly being free from the plague of injuries that kept him out of much of the last couple of seasons. 'Incredible' is how he describes the feeling of not being a constant visitor to the team physio. 'It's the best I've felt physically in a long, long time', he adds. There does seem a weight off his shoulders without these injury burdens and an air of relief about himself, he is fresh and healthy. Not only does this assist his day to day living, but vastly impacts his ability to train at a higher intensity, he takes pride in the fact that he can now 'train and go at 100% rather always trying to mind myself.' This has allowed the Monaghan born winger to return to really enjoying his rugby, 'I can push myself, I can compete with all these younger fella's coming through and that's a good way to be.'

His province, Ulster, have gotten off to a more than a satisfactory start to their season, and sit second place in their division of the Pro14. Yet, Bowe confirms that improvements still need to be made if competing for silverware is the aim. Bowe candidly admits that 'When we're playing well, we look excellent. Unfortunately, when we're not going so well, we can be pretty tough to watch.' The veteran winger isn't too concerned though and said that: 'we have the squad, we have the attributes to compete for trophies at the end of the year.' Although certain changes have to be made for that to happen, Bowe identified 'ironing out big mistakes that are giving away soft tries' as one of the main issues. Ulster are close but 'not there at the moment but we're still going in the right direction.'

Unfortunately for Tommy Bowe, he was omitted from the most recent squad for the Guinness Series. Although he still holds hope, Bowe is realistic that his Irish dream might just be slipping away. Therefore, he understands that silverware is more likely to now come from his province rather than his country. However, that has not dulled his spirits towards the game. He declared that he is still just as 'hungry' for rugby and is still desperate to play big games. As well as that, the winger is also excited by some of the promising talent that Ireland and in particular, Ulster, are producing. 'As a winger, I think Jacob (Stockdale) is somebody that is a great talent coming through'. As a fellow winger and back, Bowe can really see his talents coming to the fore for Irish rugby sooner rather than later. Also, on Bowe's radar are two centres, 'I'm looking forward to seeing Stuart McClosky and Chris Farrell to get their opportunities in the November series.' When commenting on his teammate McCloskey, Bowe added that 'he really has had the bit between his teeth this year' and also commented on the centre's extremely strong physical state. According to the Ulster man, McCloskey has been 'breaking all records' in fitness testing within the squad, a remarkable feat. And in regards to former Ulster and now Munster centre Farrell, Bowe admires the bravery of Farrell to go over to Grenoble in the French second division after having his injury troubles at the Northern province. 'He established himself as one of the top centres in that division', Bowe added.

Bowe has been working very hard off the pitch as well. Having had his first child earlier this year, Bowe's spare time is limited and precious. However, today Tommy Bowe was announced as Aviva’s new rugby ambassador.