Tommy Bowe signaled his return from injury after helping Ulster to a bonus point victory tonight in the Rabo Pro-12.

Bowe marked his recovery from a long-term groin injury with a pair of first-half tries to help the province to a commanding 38 - 8 win over the Dragons at Ravenhill.

Ruan Pienaar scored the opening try of the night in the 15th minute after excellent work from Jared Payne and Darren Cave, before Bowe then stole the limelight.

The 30-year-old, who was playing in his first game since November, scored twice in a three minute burst that is sure to boost his chances of getting back into the Irish Six Nation's squad.

His first came in the 24th minute when he broke through a static Dragons defence following a clean line-out, before racing onto a pass from Pienaar and beating the covering defenders to touch down under the posts.

Ulster secured the bonus point try before the 35th minute when their scrum was awarded a penalty try and Bowe was substituted at half-time.

Flanker Sean Doyle then got their fifth try at the start of the second half to help make sure of the victory.

The only disappointment for head coach Mark Anscombe was a first-half injury to Luke Marshall, who had to be replaced with a suspected concussion.