Blues' Bowden joins Bath

The 29-year-old utility back played six games for the Blues in 2015, scoring 43 points, and had previously appeared for the Crusaders (2010) and the Highlanders (2008-2009). He is no stranger to the Premiership, as he has turned out for London Irish and Leicester Tigers, in between his Super Rugby stints.

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

Bath currently occupy seventh place on the Premiership log and Bowden could feature for his new club in the very near future as they will be without first-choice flyhalf Ford for several rounds as he is expected to play Six Nations.

Wales' Rhys Priestland, who is also with Bath, was expected to take a sabbatical from the international stage starting in February, but Bowden's signing could lead to him now changing his plans.

"Dan's versatility, goal kicking and experiences both in Super Rugby and the Premiership makes 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," Bath coach, Mike Ford, said.

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