Tommy Bowe return eases impact of losing Charles Piutau

The loss of Charles Piutau through injury has been softened by Tommy Bowe’s return to the Ulster side for the first time this season for tonight’s derby with Connacht at the Sportsground.

Les Kiss’ side have five wins from five ahead of their trip to Galway, but a week out from the Champions Cup, they are without the injured Franco van der Merwe, while Ruan Pienaar is rested.

The Sportsground has been a happy hunting ground for Ulster. They have only lost there three times since the start of the Celtic League, and have won on all four of their recent visits to Galway.