Tommy Bowe set to return to Ulster from Ospreys

Tommy Bowe has been a prolific try scorer for Ireland

Ireland winger Tommy Bowe is set to return to play for Ulster next season.

Although no contracts has yet been signed, it is understood that Bowe has agreed in principle to return to his native province.

The 27-year-old is set to leave Welsh club Ospreys with one year of his contract remaining and Munster were also believed to be in the running to secure his signature.

Bowe played for Ulster between 2003 and 2008, before departing for Wales.

The news that Bowe is likely to return to Ulster will provide a major boost to their hopes of becoming a major force in European rugby.

The British and Irish Lions player has become an established Ireland international and scored a try in last weekend's 23-21 defeat by Wales in Dublin.

Bowe has won a number of personal accolades in recent years, including being named the Player of the Championship in the 2010 Six Nations.

He was part of Ireland's Grand Slam winning team of 2009, scoring the decisive match-winning try against Wales to secure a clean sweep of victories.

Ulster recently announced that Northampton number eight Roger Wilson would also be returning to Ulster for next season.