Dan Bowden calls time

Longtime Kiwi professional rugby player Dan Bowden has announced his retirement from professional rugby.

The 32-year-old released a statement on social media detailing his decision to step away from the game.

Bowden cites injury as a significant reason, noting that he has ‘struggled with concussion and 11 surgeries’, and that ‘the old body’ has let him know it was time to hang up the boots.

pic.twitter.com/y6GMtnqQVk

— Dan Bowden (@danbowden_) April 22, 2018

Auckland-born Bowden made his professional debut in 2005 aged just 18 when he ran out for Northland in New Zealand’s National Provincial Championship. He was named player of the year in 2007.

Bowden later played for both Otago and Auckland, suiting up for the latter as recently as last year.

He also played for three Super Rugby franchises in the Blues, Highlanders and Crusaders, starting the 2010 Super Rugby semi-final alongside Dan Carter.

Bowden also had a successful career in the northern hemisphere, recording stints with Italian club Parma, Premiership sides London Irish, Leicester and Bath, and Japanese club Yamaha.

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