Otago first five-eighths Daniel Bowden has transferred to Auckland but will still play for the Highlanders next season.
Bowden, 22, confirmed he had signed a two-year contract with the Auckland Rugby Union and would turn out for Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup.
He said the decision
to move north was based solely on wanting to get back to be with his family and girlfriend, Football Ferns captain Hayley Moorwood.
Bowden, a former New Zealand Colt, grew up in the Queen City, and went to Auckland Grammar.
But he transferred to Northland straight out of school and played for the Cambridge Blues for three seasons.
He transferred to Otago at the start of last season, and played for the Highlanders and Otago.
He was troubled by a quad injury in the Super 14 campaign, and played nine games for the side, scoring 20 points. He also played nine games for Otago in the Air New Zealand Cup, scoring 34 points.
Bowden said the decision to move north was nothing to do with the reappointment of Otago coaches Steve Martin and Bruce Carvell.
He would play for the Highlanders next season, saying he wanted to repay some of the faith shown in him by Highlanders' coach Glenn Moore.
- OTAGO DAILY TIMES
