Bowe admits he has bridges to mend after Ospreys’ return

TOMMY BOWE admits he will have to mend the hearts of his Ospreys team-mates after dashing Wales‘ Six Nations hopes.

Heart-breaker Bowe returned to the Welsh region yesterday following his try-scoring exploits which helped Ireland to their first Grand Slam in 61 years at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.

And the Irish wing reckons he has some making up to do as he continues his glory charge alongside Wales’ Ryan Jones, Shane Williams and Gavin Henson this weekend.

Bowe said: “It’s been a huge weekend for Irish rugby and a hectic few days but it’s great to be back with the lads in Wales.

“But I will have to try and make some friends in the squad again and that’s priority number one for me.

“The boys even made me sit on my own for breakfast!

“But if we get a few wins in the next couple of weekends then it will round off a nice couple of weeks.”

Bowe will have little time for celebrating as he plays for the Ospreys against Gloucester in the EDF Energy Cup semi-final with Gloucester on Saturday.

And the British Lions hopeful insists the historic sweet taste of Slam success is only the beginning as he chases a treble with Sean Holley’s men.

Bowe said: “I’ve had ups and downs in the Irish jersey so it is wonderful to be part of something so special. It has not sunk in probably but it’s an amazing feeling. I feel so proud.

“But, of course, I can reach that peak again as a rugby player. This season has the potential to only get better.

“The Grand Slam was enormous but we can win all three competitions with the Ospreys. To win the EDF, Magners League and Heineken Cup would be unbelievable.”

Bowe is coming back to earth with a bump after a whirlwind time since his second-half try in Cardiff carved his name in Irish rugby folklore and cult status with a rendition of ‘The Black Velvet Band’ on the return to the Irish capital.

He said: “The reception was surreal. We were greeted at the airport and there were thousands of people on the streets of Dublin.

“We realise this is a different economic time but it was nice to give the Irish public some joy and happiness.”