He never let his standards ‘slip..

TOMMY BOWE has every sympathy for fallen comrade Jamie Heaslip (above) but says his pal had a career for the ages.

The Leinster legend was forced to retire with a back injury and Bowe said: “I was very sad for him, it was very disappointing.

“But what an incredible career he’s had. He won three European Cups, three Six Nations including a Grand Slam, a couple of Pro12s – it’s not a bad innings.

“He was a leader as well and a captain and I’m gutted for him.

“But he can look back on such an incredible career.”