Ireland international Tommy Bowe to retire at the end of the season

Ireland international Tommy Bowe has confirmed that he will retire from professional rugby at the end of the ongoing season.

Bowe made his professional rugby debut in 2003 with Ulster and later switched to Ospreys in 2008 before moving back to the Kingspan Stadium for a second stint in 2012. The winger scored a try on his Ulster debut against Connacht in 2004 and later that same year marked his international debut with a try against the USA.

The 33-year-old has played 69 Tests for Ireland and has racked up 150 points and was also part of the 2009 and 2013 British and Irish Lions tour.

Bowe, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury that he sustained against Leinster earlier this month is likely to remain out of action for another seven weeks.

He confirmed the news on his retirement on Monday on the social media platform Twitter.

"I've spent most of my career in Belfast, At first George said I wasn't very fast, I eventually found my gears, Had some incredible years, But it's time to tell you - this is my last," read the Tweet.

Meanwhile, Ulster wrote on its official Twitter account: "Thanks for the memories, @TommyBowe14. Let's finish this season with a few more special days!"