Ireland and Ulster wing Tommy Bowe will join Welsh club Neath-Swansea Ospreys on a three-year contract next season after he turned down a new offer from his home province.
A product of the Ulster School's and Academy system, Bowe made over 80 appearance for Ulster since breaking into the team in the 2003/04 season.
His prolific record with Ulster earned him a call-up to the international side to face the USA in November 2004. He has won 10 caps to date and scored three tries, including one on his debut.
Bowe was today named on the wing for Ireland A ahead of their game against England Saxons on February 1st.
"We wish Tommy much success in this new phase of his career, we would have hoped for Tommy to remain with us and trust he remembers the door is always open for a return," said Ulster Rugby chief executive Michael Reid.
"While a player of Tommy's experience will be hard to replace it will give more regular opportunities for the fast emerging Mark McCrea and will allow us to bring other rising Academy stars into the Squad."
Ulster's loss is Ospreys' gain and head coach Lyn Jones today said he was "delighted" to welcome Bowe to the Liberty Stadium.
"We are delighted to be able to confirm the signing of Tommy Bowe, whose considerable talents will increase the options available to us behind the scrum. Although still only 23 years of age, he is a top quality player who has already enjoyed success with Ulster and has made an impact in international rugby.
He has a very bright future in the game, and we're all delighted that this will be with the Ospreys," said Jones. "I'm sure that he will be prove to be just as popular at the Liberty Stadium as he is at Ravenhill."
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