Rugby: Bowden out in blow to squad

Northland's dwindling ITM Cup campaign has taken a further twist with first five-eighth Dan Bowden set to miss the remainder of the season.

Yet to feature in the Cambridge blue jersey this season, Bowden was on track to make a mid-season return, however, complications surrounding the rehabilitation of a groin-injury have ruled him out.

"It's been confirmed he goes in this week for an op so he's basically gone for us," assistant coach Dale MacLeod said.

After having his Super Rugby season with the Blues cut short due to injury, it has been a year spent on ice for the 29-year-old.

Suffering a foot injury early in the year before a niggly groin injury put a halt to his Super Rugby season, Bowden's patchy rehab process has confounded specialists.

"It started with the Blues and they've continued with it. It sounds like it's a bit niggly, they're not 100 per cent sure what it is. They feel the tendon needs to be cut to relieve the stress and it'll be a six-to-12 week rehab window."

Returning to the Northland mix after a couple of years abroad playing for London Irish, Leicester Tigers and a short stint in Japan, Bowden had resumed full contact training with the Taniwha over the past month.

"He was so close to playing," MacLeod said.

"He was keen as mustard to get in and do some stuff, especially at ITM Cup level so it's a bit of a shame for him. We probably could've taken him to Manawatu but once they found what the issue was they decided it was only going to get worse and they needed to operate straightaway."

Still looking to play a part in Northland's hunt for a win, MacLeod said Bowden had plenty to offer.

"We use him around review and preview, he's a very knowledgeable man ... he'll still add value, he's keen to be involved."