EX-IRELAND INTERNATIONAL David Humphreys has said Ulster’s signing of Tommy Bowe can only benefit the Irish team.

Speaking in light of news that the winger had signed for his native province, Humphreys said Bowe would be “an asset to any squad,” adding: “Whatever level he has played, he has stood out.”

In an interview with RTE Radio 1′s Sport at Seven, he als0 indicated that having Bowe playing for an Irish province would be good for the national side:

“We need our top players playing in the country so they can be managed properly,” he said. “It will allow the IRFU to manage his game over the next few years.”

But despite their latest high-profile signing, Humphreys believes the province have still a long way to go before they can match the feats of their Irish rivals:

“We have becoming increasingly competitive but I still believe we’re a good bit behind Munster and Leinster.”

Humphreys, who played 72 times for Ireland during his career, also praised the team’s performance against France on Sunday:

“You thought they’d go on and win the game, but you have to give a huge amount of credit to France.”

Bowe is currently the top try scorer in the Six Nations.

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