Fly-half Rhys Priestland will be available for Wales after all this season, having performed a U-turn at English Premiership club Bath.
It had been understood Priestland would take an 18-month sabbatical from Test rugby, starting with the Six Nations Championship that gets under way in early February.
But Bath five-eighth Priestland, who joined the club this year, has reconsidered his position and the 28-year-old is ready to return to duty for Wales, giving boss Warren Gatland another option before he names his squad.
Bath head coach Mike Ford said: "We signed Rhys on the basis he wasn't going to play international football. But after reflecting on his decision he has decided that, if selected, he will make himself available.
"That's one of the reasons we have brought in Dan Bowden. It's now up to Warren Gatland if he wants to pick Rhys or not."
The deal for Bowden will see the 29-year-old New Zealander join from Super Rugby outfit Auckland Blues next month, in time to provide cover during the Six Nations.
Bowden is no stranger to the English Premiership, having spent time playing at Leicester and London Irish before returning to play Super Rugby for Auckland.
Ford said of 40-cap Priestland, according to Wales Online: "He has only made two starts for us, but he was good for us last Saturday when we beat Worcester Warriors. He will start again this weekend in the game at Newcastle Falcons.
"He has been fantastic in training and it is obvious to everyone that he is a highly experienced and intelligent footballer.
"Whether or not he plays for Wales in the Six Nations we hope to keep him at Bath for the full length of his contract and possibly beyond."
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