A product of Auckland Grammar School, Bowden took the long route to further his rugby career, playing for Northland (2005-2007), Otago and most recently the Highlanders before returning to Auckland this year.

A former New Zealand Schools, under-19s and under-21s representative, Bowden is an extremely talented and enthusiastic first five eighths who has brilliant vision and a superb kicking game.

The 22-year-old will be hoping to provide the spark to ignite this young Auckland backline and prove he is a worthy contender to wear the number 10 jersey for the Blues next year.