The chances of Tommy Bowe playing any part in Ireland's Six Nations campaign diminished further this afternoon after it emerged the Ulster wing will miss another weekend of Pro12 action as he recovers from a groin injury.

Bowe has not played any rugby since picking up an injury against New Zealand last November but had been pencilled in to return for his province last weekend.

That fell by the wayside, with the Ulster management targeting this Sunday’s trip to Treviso instead but Bowe has now been ruled out of that match as well.

Bowe’s continued absence would appear to scupper any prospect of a recall to the Ireland squad for the final two Six Nations games against Italy and France (March 8th and March 15th).