CONFIRMED: Ireland and Lions legend announces he is set to retire in the summer

In a post to Twitter, Bowe made the announcement in the form of a poem.

The 33-year-old made his debut for Ulster in 2003, playing for club until 2008 when he moved to Welsh side Ospreys, remaining there until his 2012 return to Ulster.

A shoulder injury sustained earlier this month during Ulster's Pro14 defeat to Leinster has meant an eight-week layoff for Bowe, damaging his hopes of inclusion in Ireland's Six Nations squad.