Bath sign New Zealand back Bowden

Aviva Premiership Rugby Club Bath have signed New Zealand born back Dan Bowden from the Blues in Auckland.

The new signing comes into effect almost immediately as Bowden will be joining the Club in January 2016.

The 29-year-old from New Zealand, who can play at both fly-half and centre, joins from Auckland-based Super Rugby franchise the Blues.

A former New Zealand U19 and U21 player, Bowden has previous Aviva Premiership experience, having represented London Irish and Leicester Tigers before returning to New Zealand in 2014.

“I know what a tough, entertaining competition the Aviva Premiership is, so I can’t wait to get back to England and get started with Bath,” said Bowden.

“There will be some familiar faces there as well, which is always good – guys like George Ford, who I played with at Tigers, and Toby Booth and Neal Hatley, who I worked with at Irish.”

Head Coach Mike Ford commented: “Dan’s versatility, goal kicking and experiences both in Super Rugby and the Aviva Premiership make him a very good fit for us. I’ve seen him play many times before and know his personality, so I’m confident he’ll be a big hit at the Club.”