Bowden, who can play at fly-half or centre, joined Tigers from London Irish and is working his way back to full fitness following an ankle injury which ended his 2011/12 season.
“I’ve been made very welcome and I’m settling in well,” New Zealand-born Bowden said.
“I’ve done some of my rehab from injury here so I’ve got to know a lot of the players and staff already. The set-up is excellent and there is depth in every position in the squad.
“You look through some of the names and it will be exciting to work with them.
“I’m hoping the competition can bring out the best in all the players and help me to improve too.”
Bowden follows in the footsteps of a number of Kiwis who have enjoyed successful spells with the club in recent seasons, including Daryl Gibson, Aaron Mauger, and current colleagues Craig Newby, Scott Hamilton, Boris Stankovich and Thomas Waldrom.
“I spoke to a few of the guys and they had nothing but positives to say about the place,” he said. “There are a few Kiwis who have gone well here and I’d like to emulate them.”
