British and Irish Lions

Bowe was one of the stars of the 2009 Lions tour of South Africa and touched down four times in six appearances.

But he has been hit with a knee problem which could result in an extended period on the sidelines.

"We've withdrawn Tommy from this weekend's game on medical grounds, pending further investigation and specialist opinion for a knee problem," said Ospreys head physio Chris Towers.

"Due to the onset of some recent symptoms we scanned him this week, which highlighted an issue that could potentially develop into something problematic.

"As such, we felt that it is in Tommy's best interest to take these precautions.

"We have notified the Irish medical team, and following further investigations next week we should be able to establish the most appropriate course of treatment for the problem, and to confirm whether it will interfere with Tommy's involvement in the Six Nations with Ireland."

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.

British & Irish Lions hookers Dylan Hartley and Tom Youngs will fight out their own private duel in the Aviva Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday and then become team mates for the next six weeks a day later.