Rugby: Bowden back in blue next season

Former Taniwha Daniel Bowden will play for Northland during next year's ITM Cup, while also pulling on the Blues jersey throughout the Super Rugby season. Photo / File

While returning Taniwha Daniel Bowden may have felt coming back to Northland was "the right thing to do", his coach is lapping up the thought of more competition in the team.

The 28-cap Taniwha is set for a return to the province who signed him out of high school in 2004 to get his first break in the game, along with a return to Super Rugby with the Blues.

However, Bowden is returning to a Northland ITM Cup team that has changed exponentially from his time.

Northland coach Derren Witcombe was excited by Bowden's return, saying it meant stocks at first-five have received a major boost.

"What it means for the team is a lot of experience and someone who is very talented. We've talked to Dan Hawkins about Bowden coming back and he was very positive. We spoke of it as a great person for him to look to learn from," Witcombe told the Advocate.

"Dan Bowden can play 10, 12 or 15 so it'll be a case of injuries at the time for where he slips in.

"He's going to have to step into what we've got here and add to the culture and on-field as well."

After stints with the Crusaders and Highlanders, the 28-year-old Bowden spent four years playing in the English Premiership and will link up with the Blues after a stint in Japan.

"I owe a lot to Northland because they gave me my start in my rugby career which has given me so much," Bowden said.

"It's 10 years on since I played and I am really looking forward to returning. I want to give something back to the union that did so much for me.

"I've heard a lot of good things about Derren Witcombe's coaching and the work of George Konia with their team."

Bowden said players like David Howell and Justin Collins had played a major role in introducing him to the game at the national level.

"They were so good to me. It felt the right thing to do to come back to Northland."

Bowden said his wife and baby were looking forward to living back in New Zealand. Hayley Bowden has been named to return to play for the Football Ferns.

Northland Rugby Union CEO Jeremy Parkinson conveyed his thanks to the Blues in signing Bowden back to the province.