Irish winger Tommy Bowe has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Ospreys until 2013. British Lions and Ireland star Bowe’s previous deal was due to expire in the summer after a successful two-year spell at the Liberty Stadium.
Former Ulster wing Bowe had the option of staying with the Welsh region for a third season. But, with Irish big-hitting provinces Munster and Leinster luring Bowe into a return back to his homeland, the Welsh region have chosen to reward the 2009 Grand Slam winner with a deal, worth more than £500,000 over three years, to become one of the Ospreys’ best paid players.
Bowe said: “I’m really enjoying my rugby and life at the Ospreys. I was flattered by the interest from other European clubs and obviously, a return to Ireland had a strong emotional pull and I take enormous pride in the privilege of wearing the Irish jersey.
“With a father from Munster and a mother from Leinster, who are season ticket holders at Ulster, and having played for Ulster with great friends there, you can imagine the thorough family discussions about the merits of returning to play in Ireland. But I feel we’re on the cusp of something special here and I want to be a part of it.
“The Ospreys coaching staff are helping me to fulfill my potential and the region has been the platform for much of the rugby success and memories I have banked over an unbelievable last 18 months – I feel a strong sense of loyalty to them.
“All the ingredients are here for long-term success and I wanted to give Mike Cuddy, Roger Blyth, the coaches, my team-mates and the Ospreys supporters my commitment for three years.
Bowe has bagged 18 tries in 34 appearances for the Ospreys, as well as 11 tries for Ireland in 25 Tests.
And the popular utility back showed his class with stand-out displays for the Lions, both on the wing and at centre, on the tour to South Africa last summer.
Ospreys head coach Sean Holley said: “This is clearly excellent news for all concerned at the Ospreys and is the perfect Christmas present. Tommy is a vital part of what we are trying to create here from a playing and a cultural point of view, and the fact that he has opted to extend his stay with us is a clear indication that he believes in what we are trying to do.
“He is a genuine world-class talent, who is much sought after and still very young. The fact that he has opted to stay in our environment for as long as he has committed to as he feels that it is the best place for him is a great boost for everyone at the Ospreys.”
