Brilliant Bowe pledges future to Ospreys

IRELAND international Tommy Bowe has signed a lucrative three-year contract extension with the Ospreys after turning down offers from Munster, Leinster and Ulster.

The outstanding wing/centre admits he considered other deals before opting to stay in Wales.

He explained: “I was flattered by the interest from other European clubs, but after taking advice from my agent, family and friends, it all came back to the fact that I am enjoying my rugby, and life in general, at the Ospreys.

“Obviously, a return to Ireland had a strong emotional pull and I take enormous pride in the privilege of wearing the Irish jersey. With my father a Munster man and my mother from Leinster, who are season ticket holders at Ulster and having played for Ulster, you can imagine how thorough the family discussions were about the merits of returning to Ireland.”

He explained the reasons for staying put: “The coaching staff, combined with the rugby programme at the Ospreys, is helping me to fulfil my potential. In addition, as a team I feel we are on the cusp of something special. From an international perspective, the Ospreys have been the platform for much of the success I have enjoyed, along with the memories I have banked over an unbelievable 18 months. As a result I feel a strong sense of loyalty to them.

“I just feel all the ingredients are here for long-term success and I wanted to give coaches Mike Cuddy and Roger Blyth, my team-mates and the Ospreys supporters my commitment for three years. I love the way we play rugby here and I’m excited about being involved in the upcoming derby games and crucial European fixtures.”

The 25-year old Bowe, who can play anywhere in the back three or at centre, has made a huge impact in an Ospreys shirt since arriving in summer 2008. Bowe has made 34 appearances, scoring 18 tries, including nine in his last 10 outings, and is the all-time leading Magners League try scorer.

His form has been equally impressive on the international scene, where he has established himself as a regular for Ireland, scoring 11 tries in 25 appearances. He enjoyed a hugely successful tour with the British and Irish Lions to South Africa, starting all three tests and scoring four tries.

Ospreys head coach, Sean Holley, said: “This is clearly excellent news for all concerned at the Ospreys, and is the perfect Christmas present.

“Tommy is a vital part of what we are trying to create here from a playing and a cultural point of view, and the fact that he has opted to extend his stay is a clear indication that he believes in what we are trying to do.

“When we originally targeted Tommy as a potential signing, we felt that as well as bringing his obvious strengths to the team, that we could also offer him the opportunity to develop his own game and his career.

“Tommy and the Ospreys have complimented each other fantastically over the last year and a half, and we are very proud of his achievements on the international stage. The fact that he is a proven try scorer, can play in a number of positions and exhibits good leadership qualities are an obvious bonus to the team.”