Tommy Bowe to Ireland?

I caught some of "against the head" on rte and they say that TB may be back at Ulster and more likely at Munster. Is there any truth to this?

I have to say that I'm amazed. The last interviews that I came across with the guy he was well happy where he was. He loved the team and was sure that they were on the up, bought a home, was attending college and was taking flying lessons. And he didn't need to return to play for Ireland. So what's changed? Are the provinces able to pay much more money? Is he after success and thinks he has a better chance elsewhere? Is there some bad atmosphere at the Ospreys?

Why Munster as well? Unless they want him to play in the center I'm not happy with this. We have enough talented young wings who struggle to get a game as it is. With Howlett back soon and Bowe arriving will we never see Zebo again.

Ulster I wouldn't have a problem we have Zebo, O'Dea, Earls and Johne Murphy for the wings. Would he want to play centre full time? Bowe/Earls 12/13?

Is he returning to Ireland, because he is sick of not winning anything with the Ospreys?

Atleast in Ireland he will have a better chance on winning the HC medal.

Unlike playing in Wales.

majesticimperialman wrote:Is he returning to Ireland, because he is sick of not winning anything with the Ospreys?

Atleast in Ireland he will have a better chance on winning the HC medal.

Unlike playing in Wales.

I was just wondering why you decided to post that?

Is this not some to do with the Ospreys wanting to reduce their wages? I know that some of the French clubs
were interested but that would mean missing the start of the Lions tour or else missing the Top14 semis and
final so he probably won't go there. If he came home he would be on a central contract so would be making a
fair amount. You'd think Ulster would be most likely but Munster probably have more of a need and I think his
father is from Waterford so I'm sure he wouldn't be completely against it.

maestegmafia wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:Is he returning to Ireland, because he is sick of not winning anything with the Ospreys?

Atleast in Ireland he will have a better chance on winning the HC medal.

Unlike playing in Wales.

I was just wondering why you decided to post that?

Good question. The last line is tautologous. One could argue the second last is too.

Pot Hale wrote:

maestegmafia wrote:

majesticimperialman wrote:Is he returning to Ireland, because he is sick of not winning anything with the Ospreys?

Atleast in Ireland he will have a better chance on winning the HC medal.

Unlike playing in Wales.

I was just wondering why you decided to post that?

Good question. The last line is tautologous. One could argue the second last is too.

repetition isnt neccessarily poor style. I mean its factually correct

We'll take him at Connacht, if he's not to botherd about winning the HC

My assessment of Tommy Bowe's likely club next year as follows:

Ulster 65%
Munster 30%
Leinster 2%
Ospreys 2%
France 1%

and that is not just speculation but based why what I have been told.

But Geoff wouldn't your contacts be Ulster contacts? Maybe they are being spun a different line down in Munster by the cornerflag crew...

They are but I know:
Humphreys talked to him first.
His immediate family live in Ulster
He regards Ulster both the Province and the Club as home
He does not have any closer mates than Paddy Wallace and Andrew Trimble
One of my contacts beleives a contract has actually been agreed

That is a powerful set of reason for making Ulster favourite

The big negative to me is the tax breaks down south

I hope that he does go to Ulster.

This is bad news about the Ospreys cutting their wage bill. I hope they're not in dire straits. They seemed on the verge of greatness for a while, it'd be a shame to see them slump to a dodgy side, or worse, go belly up.

Don't the WRU help the regions out in some way? i mean financially of course.

Surely Tommy can see that Munster are a declining force being propped up by overseas imports (Literally )?

If he still has ambitions of playing at the highest level he needs to be looking North....

geoff998rugby wrote:They are but I know:
Humphreys talked to him first.
His immediate family live in Ulster
He regards Ulster both the Province and the Club as home
He does not have any closer mates than Paddy Wallace and Andrew Trimble
One of my contacts beleives a contract has actually been agreed

That is a powerful set of reason for making Ulster favourite

The big negative to me is the tax breaks down south

You have only given pros and cons and that a contact of yours believes a contract has been agreed. Most reports in the papers seem to put Munster as favourites....exactly what we need another winger...

Personally, I would be happier with Bowe in Ulster rather than Munster.

It would niggle slightly at me that he is just there for the cash. Also we actually have quite a number of Irish wingers who although aren't in his class can do a job and the money saved can help us in other areas where we are phooked - AKA props and centres.

DOD sums it up we don't need another winger even Bowe.

Sign John Andress at tighthead and James Downey at 12. I'd imagine Bowes wage would be close on the price of theirs combined.

DOD that would be southern papers only, differnet story up north

The pros and Cons are relevant because they are just that

Tommy Bowe would be on a huge salary - BOD, Heaslip, Botha territory.
I would suggest it would be far more than Andress and Downey combined

geoff998rugby wrote:Tommy Bowe would be on a huge salary - BOD, Heaslip, Botha territory.
I would suggest it would be far more than Andress and Downey combined

Thats my mind made up.

I think the Ospreys are stifling Tommy's game to begin with, probably the worse region/province/club to be with from a coaching perspective. I would imagine that he would be easily frustrated there, even with his calm and generous demeanour.

As far as I understand, his basic wage would be a central contract then it's what he's paid on top of that that makes the difference. Plus different tax which will effect his net pay. It seems the main factor in favour of Munster is the money (tax comes into it too). I'm nervous given we lost to Munster in a bidding war before; the money BJ Botha is on is an amount Ulster just weren't willing to match.

But then we went and got a different player on lower wages who has been excellent for us. Botha was only in Ulster for the money in the first place, but Tommy is one of us. Would be gutted to see him in a Munster shirt.

geoff998rugby wrote:Tommy Bowe would be on a huge salary - BOD, Heaslip, Botha territory.
I would suggest it would be far more than Andress and Downey combined

But a lot less than BJ I'd imagine....

geoff998rugby wrote:DOD that would be southern papers only, differnet story up north

The pros and Cons are relevant because they are just that

Tommy Bowe would be on a huge salary - BOD, Heaslip, Botha territory.
I would suggest it would be far more than Andress and Downey combined

Yeah fair enough. I disagree with Stag in terms of what we need but another IQ prop would be good. Never was a great fan of Downey and not really interested in Lualua.

Jeeeeeezuz how much is a BJ over there

Notch wrote: I'm nervous given we lost to Munster in a bidding war before; the money BJ Botha is on is an amount Ulster just weren't willing to match.

Not quite. Botha agreed a new, higher contract, with Ulster and then came back and said you need to match Munster to keep me. We said go then.
If, admitedly a big if, he had asked for the higher salary in the first place he may have got it. Bottom line is Ulster did not lose out because they couldn't match Munster, they lost out because they were not prepared to.

Ideally DOD we would sign a bloody world class 12 and a world class backrow.

They would be my two priorities. However we need play our cards right with NIQ as they are limited.

roddersm wrote:

geoff998rugby wrote:Tommy Bowe would be on a huge salary - BOD, Heaslip, Botha territory.
I would suggest it would be far more than Andress and Downey combined

But a lot less than BJ I'd imagine....

Believe it or not I don't think so.
I would not be surprised if Tommy is not taking a slight pay cut to return on.

He will still be some way above the breadline though..

Actually I do have nother pro Munster reason for him signing for them.
At Ulster now no drinking is allowed on match days, talk about a turn around from 5/6 years ago !!
This includes after the match - players fly straight home from away games now, again unlike 5/6 years ago.
Tommy is no wild party animal but he thinks this is a bit over the top after the match is over and he likes a few beers after a game. This has come as a shock to other returnees as well.
Hardly a deal breaker but perhaps the Munster boys do go out for a beer after a game

red_stag wrote:Ideally DOD we would sign a bloody world class 12 and a world class backrow.

They would be my two priorities. However we need play our cards right with NIQ as they are limited.

We have a world class BR in POM

I think Mafi is starting to show some form since Christmas and if he gets back to his 08 form will be quite happy thanks

geoff998rugby wrote:Actually I do have nother pro Munster reason for him signing for them.
At Ulster now no drinking is allowed on match days, talk about a turn around from 5/6 years ago !!

Feck that Geoff! Tommy get yourself to Munster man!....... ....

I think Munster should sign Lualala. That would leave you with 2 NIQ centres but Ulster and Leinster have IQ centre options coming out their ears- no other NIQ centres in the other two provinces- so the IRFU might well allow it. Unless they desperately want Earls to be your 13 in the HC.

Honestly, Lualala is a class act who is a bit wasted in Cardiff. I don't feel he has ever been as good as he can be mind you.

Bowe needs to move, he's very stale at the Ospreys. Ireland is a big gamble. I can't see the tax break lasting long. Unless Ulster have found a money making machine, he'd be better off in France.

geoff998rugby wrote:They are but I know:
Humphreys talked to him first.
His immediate family live in Ulster
He regards Ulster both the Province and the Club as home
He does not have any closer mates than Paddy Wallace and Andrew Trimble
One of my contacts beleives a contract has actually been agreed

That is a powerful set of reason for making Ulster favourite

The big negative to me is the tax breaks down south

I do hope Tommy does return to Ulster - while I'd like him to come to Munster, I think it would mean we have seen the last of Doug Howlett if he does come.

Playing devil's advocate here on some of your points:

Humphreys talked to him first. Tommy left Ulster and went to the Ospreys ffs!
He regards Ulster both the Province and the Club as home. So! I regard Munster as home but I live in Leinster.
He does not have any closer mates than Paddy Wallace and Andrew Trimble. From 'work' maybe. Is there anyone left in Ulster besides those two now (and Rory Best) that he would know.

So! I regard Munster as home but I live in Leinster.

Humph was not in charge when Bowe left.
We were an unprofessional shambles run by an idiot CEO when he left, we are a highly professional club run by a superb CEO now - as different as night and day.

Tommy is very much a home bird and left with reluctance and only because things were so bad. To be back near his parents would mean a lot to him.

I actually believe Paddy and Andrew are amonst his best friends regardless of rugby. These three have clearly built up a real bond over the years. Also there are plenty of other players around from when he left - it was only 4 years ago. Just checked there are 11 full contract players from his last year still at the club.

Sin é wrote: Is there anyone left in Ulster besides those two now (and Rory Best) that he would know.

Ferris, Court, Darren Cave and Roger Wilson for a start. I'm sure he has plenty of family and friends up that way outside the Ulster team too.

Notch wrote:I think Munster should sign Lualala. That would leave you with 2 NIQ centres but Ulster and Leinster have IQ centre options coming out their ears- no other NIQ centres in the other two provinces- so the IRFU might well allow it. Unless they desperately want Earls to be your 13 in the HC.

Honestly, Lualala is a class act who is a bit wasted in Cardiff. I don't feel he has ever been as good as he can be mind you.

Earls will play in the centre.

Can't see Earls getting ahead of Laulua to be honest DOD. Obviously McGahan sees what the rest of us can......that Earls talent lies in the 22 jersey.....

Tommy had a chance to come back before and he didn't for some reason when Ulster's management had improved.

Restrictions on drinking after matches is that because of the saffer (puritanical type) influence in the dressing room?

Dont worry Rodders you will find out all about it in April...

Jut off the top of my head Sin. Paul Marshall, Andrew Trimble, Stephen Ferris, Nigel Brady, Roger Wilson, Tim Barker, Darren Cave, Rory Best, Paddy Wallace, Declan Fitzpatrick...

Not that that'll matter, he's plenty of mates at Munster too.

DOD wrote:Dont worry Rodders you will find out all about it in April...

Getting ahead of myself there Rodders...you will find out all about it at the weekend...

DOD wrote:

red_stag wrote:Ideally DOD we would sign a bloody world class 12 and a world class backrow.

They would be my two priorities. However we need play our cards right with NIQ as they are limited.

We have a world class BR in POM

I think Mafi is starting to show some form since Christmas and if he gets back to his 08 form will be quite happy thanks

Backrow signings From Ian Keatley's twitter:

iankeatley Ian Keatley
How many munster lads in this photo?? #season2012

http://twitter.com/#!/iankeatley/status/162851174649823233/photo/1

Sin é wrote:Tommy had a chance to come back before and he didn't for some reason when Ulster's management had improved.

Restrictions on drinking after matches is that because of the saffer (puritanical type) influence in the dressing room?

Tommy didn't came back 2 years ago because, at that time Ospreys were a better team. He was tempted.

Not just saffers - about half out team are teetotallers. Anyway the restriction is only for the day before and the day of a match - it is not a permanent thing. Paddy Wallace likes his Guinness too much to accept that

Humph/McGlock would have been the instigators.

Sin É there is a report in the info that Stade Francais and USAP are looking to sign TOL.....

Ding Dong the witch is dead!

Although I certainly wouldn't turn my nose up at Tommy coming to Munster, I definitely would not like to see him come at the exepense of Dougie. Ideally I'd like to see get a 1 year extension followed by a coaching contract. We have some good up and coming wingers so I believe that centre is something that needs investment first.
I have always believed Tommy would make a good centre but, based on what numerouse posters have said on here - that might not hold true.

He should go for a year or two then come back to Munster DOD. Think it would do his game the world of good. If Duncan Williams isn't ready or able to step up as cover you always have the option of keeping Stringer on a little longer.

Red Right wrote:Although I certainly wouldn't turn my nose up at Tommy coming to Munster, I definitely would not like to see him come at the exepense of Dougie. Ideally I'd like to see get a 1 year extension followed by a coaching contract. .

But the advantage would be Bowe is IQ.

With the restrictions next year it is my understanding you can only have 2 of Lualua, Mafi and Howlett - which one doesn't play next year ?

Notch wrote:He should go for a year or two then come back to Munster DOD. Think it would do his game the world of good. If Duncan Williams isn't ready or able to step up as cover you always have the option of keeping Stringer on a little longer.

Would hate to see him go at the moment. He is a great backup to have and outside of a blip in the Scarlets game playing very well. Williams I dont see getting any better but he is still a decent sh. Strings is looking very impressive for Sarries...

Would prefer TOL to stay he is still the second best SH in Ireland

DOD wrote:
Would prefer TOL to stay he is still the second best SH in Ireland Munster

Fixed it for you DOD

DOD wrote:Sin É there is a report in the info that Stade Francais and USAP are looking to sign TOL.....

I'd be really sorry to see him go, but it could work out well for him and Munster. Strings back from Sarries and O'Leary back from 2 years in France when Strings retires having made a pot of money and won a French title! Everyone happy.

Nice to see that Cheika rates him anyway.