Bowden Bows Out

Centre Dan Bowden has played his last game for Leicester after signing with New Zealand Rugby and the Blues for the 2015 and 2016 Super Rugby seasons.

The 28-year-old New Zealander joined the Tigers in 2012 after a spell at London Irish but will now return to Auckland, where he was born.

"I'm really excited to be returning home along with my four-month-old baby and wife. 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," Bowden told the Blues' official website, theblues.co.nz.

"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.

"I played 10 for London Irish and mostly 12 for Leicester so I'm comfortable at either. There are plenty of talented players in the Blues backline and hopefully I can offer some guidance and experience there."

Blues head coach John Kirwan said: "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."