Dan Bowden joins the Auckland Blues

Dan Bowden will be playing for the Aucklnd Blues next season after agreeing a two-year deal with the New Zealand franchise.

Auckland-born Bowden, who spent the last four years in England with London Irish and Leicester, said he was fulfilling a life-long dream.

“I’m really excited to be returning home along with my four-month-old baby and wife,” he said.

“I had opportunities to stay in the UK but coming back to be around my family and playing for the Blues is something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve spent time playing with the Highlanders and Crusaders but playing for my hometown team has always been an ambition of mine and I’m hoping to finally fulfil that.

“It was the team I grew up supporting and wanting to play for, and I’ve taken the long way around to get to it. I was involved in the Blues wider training group in 2005 so it’s been a long time coming, but I’m excited to join the Blues and get back to playing Super Rugby.

“I played 10 for London Irish and mostly 12 for Leicester so I’m comfortable at either.

“I’m sure the Blues will have their ideas – I’d like to play 10 but I’m happy to play wherever is best for the team. There are plenty of talented players in the Blues backline and hopefully I can offer some guidance and experience there.”

Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan added: “Dan has a great skill set and is really keen to come back and have another crack at Super Rugby in New Zealand so we’re really excited to have him.

“He’s really matured and developed playing in the UK. He was on the cusp of playing for England and he probably got injured at the wrong time, which has helped him make the decision to come back and join the Blues so we’re looking forward to having his experience in the squad.”