Tommy Bowe’s first start of season as Ulster chase bonus

Tommy Bowe gets his first start of the season for Ulster when they travel to Zebre in the chase for a bonus-point win in the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi this afternoon.

Bowe came through a 40-minute session for the Ulster A side last week, his first run-out since major knee surgery following his injury during Ireland’s World Cup exit against Argentina.

Bowe replaces another Ireland wing Andrew Trimble who has been hit by a virus this week and remains at home. With fifth-placed Ulster needing to win their final three fixtures in what is a nerve-tingling finale to the Pro12 season, coach Les Kiss has loaded his side for the trip.