Bowe blow for Ireland

Tommy Bowe’s hopes of a spectacular return for Ireland in the Six Nations looks to be over.

Bowe has not been included in the Ulster squad for Saturday’s RaboDirect Pro12 clash with Treviso in Italy, as he continues to recover from a groin injury sustained against New Zealand in November.

“As far as Tommy is concerned he is just making sure he is right before coming back,” said Ulster’s defence coach Jonny Bell. “The treatment he is getting is first class. He has been running with the squad and training a bit more.

“Tommy’s mental state is that he wants to be back in the mix, but only when he is ready. Jokingly, he’s been called the ‘rehab man’ this season doing stretches and generally fitness work. But hopefully he will come good in time.”

Ulster’s focus this weekend is to claim victory in Italy and keep their hopes alive of making the play-offs in RaboDirect Pro12.

“Not too many teams have had the ability to win both the Rabo and the Heineken Cup,” added Bell. “It puts massive pressure on your squad depth. We know where we are in Europe and we know what’s coming up at the start of April with that game against Saracens.

“We are in a good place at the minute but we need to kick on in the Rabo and get the points we need.”