Bowe likely to start for below par Ulster

Ireland’s Tommy Bowe looks set to be available for a low-in-confidence Ulster side that will change their priorities ahead of a difficult away trip to Treviso this Sunday, according to assistant coach Allen Clarke.

Having lost six successive away games, and four on the bounce in the Guinness Pro 12, it is by no means a forgone conclusion victory is there for the taking against a struggling Italian outfit growing in confidence after back-to-back wins in Festive derby battles.

Bowe had six stitches inserted into eye wound following a clash of heads last Saturday and was finally hauled off with what was said to be a dead leg. However, he could be on the plane to Italy and so could Jared Payne after missing action since he won his Ireland cap in November due to a foot injury.