Tommy Bowe Interview
Talking Rugby Union caught up with Ospreys and Ireland winger Tommy Bowe.
1. How do you think the Ospreys have done this year?
It has been a very up and down season, we are still in a good position in the Magners League so it would be brilliant to become the first team to win it back to back, but obviously missing out on the European Cup quarter finals was a big disappointment.
2. How is it playing in a team with many stars such as Lee Byrne, Shane Williams, Jerry Collins, James Hook and many more?
It is always good playing along side world class players, it makes you up your game in order to play at their standard but it obviously brings it's own pressures on the team to win.
3. My very first rugby game was watching Ulster play against Leinster and you were playing for Ulster, how did Ulster help you in your development as a player?
Ulster were a huge help in my development as a player. I absolutely loved playing with Ulster and all the way through from school boy to the senior team they kept pushing and helping me to improve.
4. When you were a youngster playing at Ulster did any players help you improve your game to make you the player you are now?
Yes Ulster had an array of local and foreign talented players who were always there to help and also for me to aspire to be.
5. Who was your rugby idol growing up?
Two players I always admired when growing up were Simon Geogheon and when in school Christian Cullen I really admired some of the tries he scored.
6. So far what has been your career highlight?
Winning the Grand Slam with Ireland and the first test for the Lions.
7. How does it feel being a regular Ireland international?
I have had my time out of the Irish team so I know how hard it is to get into which makes me never take it for granted that I will be picked. With the talent around in my position and Declan Kidney always keeping players on their toes I will always feel pressure to remain in the team.
8. What was the feeling like when you played your first international for Ireland?
It was one of the most special days of my life, it was something I had always dreamed of and at times never thought it would happen so was a proud day for me and my family.
9. When your name was called out for the Lions squad? How did you find out + what was your first feeling/reaction?
We were training at the time of the announcement so at the end of training our coach pulled us aside and congratulated the players from the ospreys who had been selected. A very surreal moment!
10. What is the best stadium you have played in?
I enjoy playing at the Aviva Stadium especially against England but the best for atmosphere would have to be the Millennium Stadium Cardiff.
11. Are you looking forward to the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, how are you feeling about Irelands pool?
I think we have a great chance in this World cup, it will be tough but with this team if we get off to a good start who knows what could happen.
12. Who is the strongest player you have played against/played with?
Strongest would be Stephen Ferris or Jerry Collins
13. What do you hope to gain from your next 5 years playing rugby?
I hope to play for another 5 firstly and I would love to win more things, with the Ospreys I want to win competitions and with Ireland I want win more. But with these I want to be an integral part of winning so I have a lot I still want to do!
Other Questions
Favourite holiday destination? Thailand
Favourite food? Lamb
Favourite movies? Thriller with a good twist
Favourite band/artist? Mumford and Sons and Kanye West
Hero (who isn't in rugby)? My dad
Favourite sport/team (which isn't in rugby)? Leeds Utd
What do you do in your spare time when not playing rugby? Eat a lot and go for coffee with friends
What do you think of talkingrugbyunion.co.uk? Great to spread word of rugby
Finally “ if you had a message to say to your fans who have been supporting the Ospreys week in week out, what would you say to all of them?
We appreciate all the amazing support you give us on a daily basis, I can understand we may be frustrating to watch sometimes but I really believe we have a team that are more ambitious than anyone and we will win big things in the coming years!
Thank you
