Tommy Bowe eager to face Leicester Tigers

Ulster's Tommy Bowe is eager to get on the pitch this weekend after his much anticipated return against Ospreys last week was postponed by a dead leg.

The Ireland wing was "devastated" when missing out on the 18-12 win over his former side, but the Monaghan man is due to play a key role on Friday as the province kicks off the 2013 Heineken Cup campaign against Leicester Tigers at a sold-out Ravenhill (8pm).

“I took a bit of a knock and then aggravated it again,” said Bowe of preparation for the Ospreys game. “But I’m feeling good this week so should be ready to go (against Tigers).

“I was devastated to miss the match last week. I haven’t played the Ospreys since I left there. But I was struggling a little bit. It was better to rest for that week to make sure about this week. It was a great win.”

It was certainly a good day for Paddy Jackson, who kicked six from six in Wales to turn around a 12-0 deficit against the hosts, but Ulster fans will be relieved to see Bowe back.

Ulster are fourth in the RaboDirect Pro12 after three consecutive wins followed two defeats, while Leicester have also won three in five.

Last week’s draw against Northampton left them third in the Aviva Premiership, having averaged three tries a game.

Benetton Treviso host Montpellier at the Stadio Comunale Di Monigo on Saturday.