Tommy Bowe was a prolific Ireland winger who was the leading try scorer on the British & Irish Lions' successful 2013 tour of Australia.
Tommy Bowe's try in the series-clinching third Test against Australia on the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour was his finest international hour, the product of a career built on reliable, clinical finishing across Ulster, the Ospreys, and Ireland. He signed with Ulster in 2003, developing into one of the most reliable and prolific finishers in Irish rugby history. Bowe made his Ireland debut in 2004 and became renowned for his aerial ability and clinical finishing, particularly excelling in high-pressure knockout and international rugby. He moved to Wales's Ospreys in 2008, winning domestic honours before returning to Ulster in 2012. Bowe was selected for the British and Irish Lions in both 2009 and 2013, delivering standout performances on the successful 2013 tour of Australia and being named in the Test team for the series-clinching third match. He earned dozens of caps for Ireland across a 13-year international career, becoming one of the country's most consistent attacking wings. Bowe retired in 2018 after a career spent across Ulster, the Ospreys, and Ireland, and has since remained connected to the sport as a respected pundit and broadcaster, drawing on a career defined by durability and reliable finishing at the highest level.
Ireland winger, top try scorer on the victorious 2013 Lions tour
How They Played
Bowe was known for his pace, finishing ability, and strong aerial skills under the high ball. He combined excellent positional sense with powerful running, making him deadly in one-on-one situations and particularly effective at scoring tries in the corner.
Lasting Impact
Bowe's consistent try-scoring record and performances on Lions tours established him as one of the premier wingers of his generation in Northern Hemisphere rugby.
Career Honours
- Six Nations titles with Ireland
- Lions series win 2013 (top try scorer)
| Club | Period | Apps | Tries | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ulster | 2008–2012 | 44 | 25 | #11 |
| Ospreys | 2004–2008 | 168 | 25 | #11 |
| — | 69 | 30 | — |