Tommy Bowe has announced his retirement from rugby.
The Irish rugby star has revealed that he will retire at the end of this season.
Taking to Twitter, the 33-year-old announced the news in a poem.
“I’ve spent most of my career in Belfast, At first George said I wasn’t fast, I eventually found my gears, Had some incredible years, But it’s time to tell you – this is my last,” he wrote.
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! pic.twitter.com/KZa8Rwk4G1— Tommy Bowe (@TommyBowe14) January 15, 2018
Although he was best known as an Irish rugby star, Tommy recently landed his first presenting gig on RTÉ travel series Getaways, and he’s also released his own line of mens shoes.
Tommy and his wife Lucy Whitehouse also welcomed their first child, Emma, back in April 2017.
Since the news of his retirement broke, many have paid tribute to Tommy on Twitter:
Wonderful career @TommyBowe14 Great craic on and off the field! One of the best I’ve seen and played with. Good luck butt x
— Adam Jones (@adamjones3) January 15, 2018
Awww dam it – @TommyBowe14 calling it a day. What fantastic memories. Terrific player. Will miss calling him home…
— Ryle Nugent (@RyleNugentRTE) January 15, 2018
One of the greatest photos ever taken. ????@TommyBowe14 you absolute hero. ????????
Rugby won’t be the same without you. pic.twitter.com/XPEmoBaZyR
— RugbyLAD (@RugbyLAD7) January 15, 2018
@tommybowe14 Good luck in whatever your new life holds for you. It was a privilege to be proven wrong.
— George Hook (@ghook) January 15, 2018
With 36 tries in 77 games for the Ospreys between 2008-12, 4th in the all time list, and two league titles, you won’t be forgotten in these parts either, whatever you do next ???????? pic.twitter.com/Rn8FQXfftE
— Ospreys (@ospreys) January 15, 2018
What a career Tommy Bowe has had for Ulster, the Ospreys and Ireland.
Will go down as one of the Irish greats. #TommyBooooooowe pic.twitter.com/HyBfFk1FXQ
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) January 15, 2018
Thanks @TommyBowe14 for all the great days for @UlsterRugby and @IrishRugby pic.twitter.com/IbFYWPYeyB
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 15, 2018
Congrats on a great career, Tommy Bowe – brilliant! ???? But one of my favourite moments was when @RonanOGara10 promised the lads would join in after the #GrandSlam …& then hung you out to dry!!????What about her eyes?? https://t.co/0LSWZ16vQj
— Des Cahill (@sportsdes) January 15, 2018
Congrats brother,
Not a bad old career infairness ????????????????
One of the best to ever do it???????? pic.twitter.com/mVKNjP4uDZ— Simon Zebo (@SimonZebo) January 15, 2018