The Blues have signed a replacement for Benji Marshall, with former Highlanders and Crusaders player Dan Bowden joining the Super rugby franchise on a two year deal.
The 28-year-Bowden has been playing rugby in England since 2010 and will return to Auckland where he grew up.
The Blues were in need of a replacement for Marshall after he returned to rugby league.
Bowden says he's comfortable playing at either first or second five-eighths having played at first five for London and mostly in the midfield for Leciester although his preference is wearing the ten jersey.
Bowden has represented New Zealand at schools, under-17, under-19 and under-21 levels.
The Blues head coach Sir John Kirwan says Bowden has matured while playing in the UK.
Kirwan says he was on the cusp of playing for England and probably got injured at the wrong time which has helped him make the decision to come back and join the Blues.
