The Blues have confirmed the signing of former Highlanders and Crusaders playmaker Dan Bowden for the next two Super Rugby seasons.
Bowden, 28, last played in New Zealand 2010 before leaving for the English Premiership where he played two seasons for London Irish and then two for Leicester.
The former New Zealand age group representative says he is looking forward to returning to his home city of Auckland with wife Hayley, a long-serving Football Ferns soccer international, and their four-month old baby.
"I had opportunities to stay in the UK but coming back to be around my family and playing for the Blues is something I've always wanted to do," Bowden said.
"I've spent time playing with the Highlanders and Crusaders but playing for my hometown team has always been an ambition of mine and I'm hoping to finally fulfil that."
Bowden played provincial rugby for Northland, Otago and Auckland, with his Super Rugby experience coming in two campaigns with the Highlanders and one with the Crusaders.
He says he is comfortable playing at either five-eighth or inside centre, having switched between the two positions during his time in England.
He won a championship with Leicester in 2012, scoring a long-range try against Saracens which was later voted Premiership try of the season.
Blues coach Sir John Kirwan says Bowden has matured into a world class player whose experience will be invaluable during their campaigns in 2015 and 2016.
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