Winger with a special pedigree

RUGBY Under-21 World Cup: Tommy Bowe is not your average Ulster rugby man. From Monaghan, he played intercounty Gaelic football at all grades until minor level, when the oval ball began to dominate his attentions. Unique in many ways, he was educated at Royal School Armagh, an academy that has not seen too many GAA folk pass through its halls.

"I always enjoyed football, especially in the summer as it kept you fit and out with all your friends but rugby was always the priority. My father had a big background in rugby so that was a factor in it as well. My background though was never an issue in Royal Armagh," he explained.

The main strength of this Irish under-21 squad is the absence of a star turn. There are, of course, key components but a healthy lack of over-reliance on any individual. The pack work as a finely tuned unit, with different players taking on responsibility when the time requires. In the back line, the wingers dominated the try-scoring against Tonga, while the centres filled that role against Argentina. At outhalf, Gareth Steenson consistently kicks his points.

No superstars, perhaps, but judging by strides at provincial level, Bowe would be first among equals. The winger broke into the Ulster side this year and looked the real deal in all his Celtic League outings. In this World Cup he looks a class act.

He also has the advantage of not having to prove himself again as new Ulster coach Mark McCall knows his capabilities, having taken the under-21s through this year's Six Nations.

"I tried too lay down a marker last year but I know they (Ulster) are going to put a bit more pressure on me next year. I will be trying to get a full contract and hopefully I'll be able to carry that on a bit more."

His father, Paul, is a no-nonsense Waterford man who played on the Newbridge senior cup team that ruled Leinster in 1970; inspired by future international Mick Quinn they beat Blackrock on a famous St Patrick's Day for the Kildare School.

Geographical fates decreed that if Tommy Bowe were to attend a rugby school it would be Royal School. Looking at his natural ability, he probably would have found a way to the dizzy heights of professional rugby if he'd lived on the Algarve.

Several obstacles still remain in his path though before the job is complete. Come September, he must balance a career and a semi-professional contract as his construction course requires him to do a placement year.

More pressing though is the neck/shoulder injury he picked up in the first half against Argentina last Tuesday. Surprisingly, he played all 80 minutes in Ireland's tense four-point victory.

The early knock meant he became a peripheral figure out on the touchline. When queried why he didn't just come off, he replies in a way that gives an insight into the character of the young man.

"I knew I could still make a difference if I could just get a one-on-one situation with my man (Mauro Comuzzi was one of the fastest players on the pitch)." Basically he backs himself every time, an ever-recurring trait evident among the future stars of Irish rugby.

Late in the final quarter he got his slight openings and twice left Comuzzi grasping at fresh air; only the cover denied him his third and fourth tries of the competition. It mattered little as by that stage the Argentinians had punched themselves to a standstill.

"In that match our pack showed exactly what they are made of. Whenever we really wanted to get scores on the board we got good ball off the forwards and we tore them apart."

Tomorrow, the French, despite their lofty reputations, may struggle to deny Bowe and co a place in the semi-finals of the World Championships.