Ireland’s Six Nations hopes suffer double injury blow

Well it's not unexpected.

But that doesn't make the news that Tommy Bowe will definitely miss the upcoming Six Nations any less devastating for Joe Schmidt and Ireland. The Ulster winger was rated as a major doubt for the tournament - starting in just over a month - when he suffered a knee injury in the World Cup loss to Argentina back in October of last year. It was feared at the time that the 31-year-old would struggle to make the Spring series, and according to the BBC, the winger, who's played 67 times for Ireland, has ruled himself out of playing any role,

"Unfortunately it's a slow process and to rule yourself out of the Six Nations is disappointing. I have to concentrate on getting myself back to where I was and there's no point in rushing it." "To be back by the start of February is unlikely but I'm still pretty positive I can add something to Ulster's season."

Bowe's absence has also been compounded now  that Iain Henderson will also miss the tournament with a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering the injury in Ulster's Pro12 win over Edinburgh. With the retirement of Paul O'Connell and Donnacha Ryan still a doubt, Ireland's second row options are severely limited ahead of the opening game in just over a month.