Bowden previously played for Highlanders and Crusaders in the Super 14

London Irish's Dan Bowden says taking charge on the pitch is a vital part of his role at his new club.

New Zealander Bowden, who signed from Crusaders on a two-year deal, arrived in England last week.

He told BBC Berkshire: "It's important to get out there and be a voice - if you look at the way we want to play at the game you need to be commanding.

"You need to take charge of the situation and the more I do that the more respect I get from the players."

Having played with New Zealand international Dan Carter at Crusaders, Bowden says he is now relishing being under the tutelage of backs coach Mike Catt.

"He's been great so far," he said. "He hasn't been pushy getting me into anything full on. He's been easing me in and he's been trying to get some information off me about how to improve the team on a whole."

Bowden added the lure of playing Heineken Cup rugby with Irish - as well as some advice from fellow New Zealanders - were factors in persuading him to sign.

"It looks daunting but it's great because you want to play the best teams to test yourself. To play Toulon, Munster and Ospreys is going to be a great challenge."

"I did a bit of research and spoke to the Kiwi boys who are based here like Jimmy Gopperth at Newcastle and they had nothing but positive things to say about the club and the way they play.

"I played six levels at a professional level in New Zealand and I am young enough to have a bit of time away and stay here for a couple of years."

Although this is the first time Bowden has been to England, he has not come alone as his sporting girlfriend, Hayley Moorwood, has decided to come with him.

"She's captained the national [football] side back in New Zealand and she's had a lot of success recently," he said.

"She's received a couple of offers from Chelsea and Arsenal so she's sorting her way through those."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version