Tommy Bowe is “highly unlikely” to be part of Ireland’s upcoming tour of South Africa after Ulster confirmed he will miss the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
Ulster, who face Leinster in the Guinness Pro12 semi-final on Friday 20 May, will be without the services of the 31-year-old after he underwent exploratory surgery on his right knee following his return to action against Zebre last month.
The Monaghan native suffered a serious knee injury in the Rugby World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina last October, but his try-scoring return against the Italian opposition was marred by persistent pain following the 47-17 victory.
The winger is certainly ruled out of Ulster’s semi-final, and final should they reach it, and the province said that the player is “expected to be fully fit at the start of pre-season” training.
With Ireland’s first of three Tests against South Africa taking place on 11 June in Cape Town, it means Bowe, absent from the recent international camp at Carton House, is a likely absentee.
An IRFU spokesperson said it is “highly unlikely” Bowe will be fit for selection.
