Rugby: Bowden released from his contract

Dan Bowden has been granted an early release from the Blues. photo / Jason Oxenham

Blues and Taniwha first five-eighth Dan Bowden won't be part of Northland's provincial rugby campaign next year.

Instead, the 28-cap Northland pivot has been granted an early release from the Blues Super Rugby franchise by mutual consent to pursue rugby opportunities overseas.

Aware Bowden's release leaves a hole in the Taniwha flyhalf stocks, especially with a question mark over recent Melbourne Rebels signee Dan Hawkins' availability for 2016, Northland Rugby Union chief executive Jeremy Parkinson noted Bowden's contract did have a clause to allow for early termination if he wished to pursue that avenue.

Unavailable for comment yesterday, Bowden confirmed the news via social media platform, Twitter: "Confirming release from @BluesRugbyTeam has been granted. Want to thank them for past year. Looking forward to pursuing overseas opportunities."

Bowden will be replaced in the Blues by Japan's World Cup star Male Sa'u, who has signed a one year contract.

Born in Auckland, Sa'u, 28, moved to Japan in 2008 where he played for Yamaha Jubilo. Last year he played for the Melbourne Rebels during the Super Rugby Championship.

"We are thrilled to have Male join us. He is a strong runner to the line and is now an experienced player at international level," said Blues head coach Tana Umaga. "We have a very young team and Male will add experience as well as undoubted ability."