Bowe may miss Ireland’s New Zealand tour after surgery

Tommy Bowe could miss Ireland’s tour to New Zealand this summer.

Bowe underwent surgery yesterday to remove a haematoma that pushed into his kidney and caused raised blood pressure. It means he has played his last game for the Ospreys, before his return to Ulster, and could miss a three-Test New Zealand trip in June.

“After considerable consultation with specialists in both Ireland and Wales, Tommy has opted to go down the route of surgical removal of the haematoma in an effort to solve the problem,” an Ospreys spokesperson said.

“He is being operated on in Ireland today, before returning to Wales post-op to convalesce. Because of the surgery, he will not be able to play any further part for the Ospreys this season, ahead of his return to Ulster for next season.

“Recovery time post-operation is unclear, but he could be sidelined for up to four months.”

Meanwhile, Connacht captain Gavin Duffy has penned a contract extension to stay at the Sportsground until at least 2014.

“Staying with Connacht means a huge amount to me. As a team we have become a really tight knit group this season and that is only going to get better next season as we add even more quality to the side.

“Staying in Ireland also means I’m still available for national selection and winning more Irish caps is always a goal of mine.

“Bringing up a young family in Galway is great so I’m delighted to be able to commit to Connacht.”

Elsewhere, Italian Rugby chiefs have revoked the Aironi licence to participate the RaboDirect Pro12 due to financial pressure.

Aironi will honour all fixtures until the end of the season and the FIR (Federazione Italiana Rugby) have started a procedure to form a new franchise to participate in next year’s competition.