Tommy Bowe says he would be happy to play at outside centre for Ireland but insists his main priority is forcing his way back into Joe Schmidt’s starting XV.
A groin injury ruled the 30-year-old out of the 2014 RBS 6 Nations and he has not worn the green jersey since November 2013 after also missing Ireland’s summer tour of Argentina.
Since his last appearance on the wing against New Zealand, the retirement of Brian O’Driscoll has left a gaping hole in the centre of Ireland’s back line.
And Bowe admits he would relish the opportunity to wear the 13 jersey again having got a taste for it at the Ospreys and in the final test of the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa.
“I enjoy playing 13,” Bowe told the Irish Times. “I played a lot there when I was over at the Ospreys and I was lucky enough to play the third Test of the Lions at 13 as well. I did enjoy it when I got the opportunity.
“In fairness I think mixing it up and going to different positions is always exciting for a player. Whenever you play in the one position you kind of…when you get to move different positions you get to try different skills to round your skill set.
“I played only one game for Ulster last year at 13 and enjoyed it very much. At the minute, with the year that I’ve had, I need to concentrate playing on the wing and get myself into form again.
“I think that for me, personally, having missed the summer tour, having missed the Six Nations, not having quite a lot of rugby last year, I think I have had a prolonged pre-season and I feel perhaps the best I’ve felt in a good few years.
“I’m just excited about getting back out onto the pitch and if that’s on the wing, super. If I’m to get a go at 13, I’ll definitely enjoy that challenge.”
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