London Irish's Dan Bowden distracted by earthquake

Bowden played for New Zealand Under-19s and Under-21s

London Irish centre Dan Bowden says it has been difficult for him to focus on his rugby after the earthquake in his native New Zealand.

Bowden, who lived in Christchurch before moving to the Exiles, said it had been a worrying time for him.

He told BBC Berkshire: "I didn't hear from my cousins for 24 hours so it's hard not to think the worst.

"That put rugby on the back-burner mentally, but it was a relief to get a game and think about something else."

Bowden, who spent one season playing for the Crusaders in Christchurch before joining London Irish, added: "The street that I lived on prior to arriving here has been very badly damaged.

"Even the apartment block I was staying in. It brings back the reality of how close it was for me as well.

"My cousins, nephews and nieces - have been left homeless with their house destroyed.

"I was speaking to them the other day and I saw their faces on Skype. Seeing the sadness in their faces makes me sad that I can't be there to help them but it must be like that for thousands of people."

Bowden, Clarke Dermody and Seilala Mapusua arranged for a collection to take place at the Madejski Stadium last Saturday, when Irish played Harlequins.

"It was last minute and rushed together," he explained. "We got a few volunteers from the boys and we walked around the crowd, asking for people to dig into their pockets for a good cause and they did, which is very much appreciated."

But Bowden believes although the situation looks bad for the city at present, things will improve in time.

"It's going to take the city a long time to recover but the great thing is the spirit of the people. Everyone's getting on with it and helping to rebuild, helping out their neighbours - it's great to see that, but it's not looking good at the moment."