Bowden has represented New Zealand at Under-17, 19 and 21 levels.

London Irish fly-half Daniel Bowden says he will soon have to make a "big decision" about his future.

With one year left on his contract, Bowden, 25, must choose whether to pursue an international career in New Zealand or remain in England.

He told BBC Berkshire: "It's something I've looked at - there are a few Kiwis making a good career for England.

"I've got options, I've got two distinct pathways to choose from and I have to make the right choice."

Bowden signed for Irish in March 2010 after two seasons with Auckland and said it took some time to adjust to the longer English season.

"In New Zealand you play the domestic competition, you have a few weeks' rest and then you play the Super season," he said.

"To play 32 games in a row was challenging but I thought towards the back end of the season my form was pretty good."

The summer at Irish has seen lots of transfer activity and Bowden is encouraged by the attitude shown by the new recruits.

"There's a lot of new faces here and they bring energy and enthusiasm, it's a good positive feeling at the moment," he said.

"New people are keen to impress and keen to stamp their mark, it's good - it brings a bit of intensity and something fresh."

And Bowden is confident his team can challenge for honours this year.

"We'd be wasting our time if we didn't think we were going to win the Premiership or the Heineken Cup", he said.

"You've got to aim big otherwise there's no point in being involved. The boys are putting in hard work to ensure we get results; we'll see where it takes us."

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