It will be a Thomond Park belter - Bowe

He will return to Ravenhill next season and will be keenly watching what he expects a full-blooded encounter in Limerick.

"It's an enormous match," he said. "Leinster's match against Munster was very tight and I can imagine it being like that in the Heineken Cup.

"Munster were very impressive in the manner they went through their Pool and obviously I am delighted that Ulster have got through. The draw is a good one for them as they have had some good results against Munster at Thomond over the years."

Ireland and Munster captain Paul O'Connell faces a race against time to be declared fit for the match and Bowe reckons it would be a major blow if the inspirational skipper does not make it back.


"It would be an enormous blow if Paul does not make it," added Bowe.

"Everyone knows the stature of Paul and having him in the team adds so much. He is a real talisman for Munster and would be missed but they have also got Donncha O'Callaghan and Donnacha Ryan in there, two very talented players themselves."

Ulster lifted the biggest prize in European club rugby in 1999 and Bowe reckons his home province are slowly building towards another golden period.

"Ulster are looking really exciting at the minute and things are going really well there," added Bowe.

"They are having a great laugh and it is a real opportunity for them to step up to the next level.

"They won the tournament in 1999 and if they can hold on to their players.they are certainly building back towards that level.

"They have some really talented boys coming through, a good core of foreigners along with the youngsters which is a good blend, and a new coach coming in next year who will look to bring his own emphasis."

"I would hope Ulster could do it but it is going to be very difficult. Munster have a good track record at home, especially in the Heineken Cup, and they always seem to find that little bit extra. They have a habit of winning down there and they certainly feed off a passionate crowd."