Bowe, who will rejoin Ulster next term after four years playing in Wales, is facing four months on the sidelines after the operation.

A haematoma pushing into his left kidney has resulted in raised blood pressure, something the 28-year-old winger is keen to correct.

Operation

"Having discovered he was suffering from high blood pressure earlier this year, he has been put through a number of medical tests to identify the cause of the problem," the Ospreys said in a statement.

"These tests have shown that he has, in the past, suffered a haematoma that is pushing into his left kidney, with further tests indicating that this is the reason for the raised blood pressure.

"After considerable consultation with specialists in both Ireland and Wales, Tommy has opted to go down the route of surgical removal of the haematoma in an effort to solve the problem.

"He is being operated on in Ireland (on Friday), before returning to Wales post-op to convalesce.

"Because of the surgery, he will not be able to play any further part for the Ospreys this season, ahead of his return to Ulster for next season.

"Recovery time post-operation is unclear, but he could be sidelined for up to four months."

Unfortunate

Bowe could now miss Ireland's tour to New Zealand this summer and he admits it is unfortunate that will not get the chance to play for the Ospreys again.

"Obviously, this news unfortunately means that I won't get to wear the Ospreys shirt again," commented Bowe.

"But it is important that I get this problem sorted as soon as possible.

"Hopefully, the Ospreys will have a home (RaboDirect PRO12) semi-final and final in May so that I can still get down to the Liberty Stadium to say farewell and a big thank you to the supporters."