Dan Bowden - The Exiles Kiwi
Wednesday 25 January 2012
How many times have we discussed New Zealand's strength in depth? How many times have we read through lists of talented individuals that have left for pastures new in Europe? Another one to add to the list, perhaps the most interesting of them all is Dan Bowden.
A former New Zealand U21 Bowden graduated into Super Rugby and spent time with both the Highlanders and Crusaders. He was an in demand player highly coveted in New Zealand for his ability to cover both 10 and 12 with equal proficiency, as a result he represented Northland, Otago and Auckland before agreeing his move to England. He made the move to London Irish at the end of the 2010 Super 14 season, providing cover in midfield following the retirement of England legend Mike Catt. Catt has of course transferred his vast talent and experience to the coaching staff now, leaving a void not just in class in the midfield but also in leadership. This is perhaps what makes Toby Booth's, London Irish's head coach, decision to recruit Bowden particularly astute. Bowden was a ready made replacement, a vocal leader, stepping into the role as decision maker from the off.
The 25 year old has seemingly settled into an Exiles life with ease, the move from home perhaps helped by the decision of his long term girlfriend and New Zealand woman's football captain, Hayley Moorwood, signing for Chelsea. He is a focal member of Irish's squad both on and off the pitch and in a recent interview, Toby Booth named the kiwi as one of the squad's jokers.
Bowden has a strong grasp of the basics, he tackles well, has a cultured kicking game and superb distribution, combined with a threat with ball in hand that makes Bowden an adaptive play maker. He plays what's in front of him with the skill set to take advantage of any defensive lapses. He is not a fly half who can play centre, or vice versa, but a genuine selection headache for Toby Booth at 10 or 12. At 10 Bowden offers a running threat to keep defences honest, at 12 a second distributor allowing Irish to continue their attacking ethos. At 5ft10 and 14stone he can stand his ground and provide a physical option in the midfield when necessary. Bowden is as confident kicking from the tee, as he is hand, but with the kicking duties firmly in the hands of Tom Homer, Bowden has been able to concentrate on his game management.
It's hard to analyse Bowden's next move. His contract is up at the end of this season and Booth has suggested his next move could depend on any international hopes he may harbour. Should we read anything into Shinglers arrival at the Madjeski Stadium? A similar player, albeit at the start of his career. If Bowden should decide to stay he will qualify for England and could be the creative all rounder that the midfield need, but he will be hard pushed by England's new breed; Twelvetrees, Hopper, Trinder et al. He is young enough to take his experience from the Aviva Premiership home and will no doubt attract a Super Rugby contract with ease but could struggle to find a chance to pull on the All Blacks shirt. There's a lot to achieve domestically though, a Heineken Cup title for example either with the Irish or elsewhere. It would be nice to see him extend his time with the Exiles were he has the chance to be the pivot for an exciting set of backs and new breed of mobile forwards.
