Dan Bowden will pay for the Leicester Tigers next term © Getty Images

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Leicester Tigers' new signing Dan Bowden admits that he is considering offering himself to England when he qualifies for residency at the end of the 2012-13 season.

Bowden moved to the Tigers from London Irish at the end of last season after spending two years with the Exiles. The versatile back - who is equally adept at inside centre and fly-half - impressed for the Exiles and could potentially emulate new team-mate Tigers' Thomas Waldrom's path from Super Rugby, to the Aviva Premiership and into the full England set-up.

"I could play for England and I have spoken to Thomas," Bowden told the Leicester Mercury. "It's in the back of my mind, but my focus is fully with Tigers. "It was a big commitment for me to sign here and stay for a two-year period. I just want to repay the faith the club have shown in me. I know it's an option and, if it happens, it happens."

Bowden turned out for the Highlanders and the Crusaders in Super Rugby and admits that he expected to return to New Zealand after his time with the Exiles came to an end. But following Leicester's offer, Bowden opted to stay in England.

"Leicester have been very welcoming since I took an early release from Irish at the end of last season to begin my rehab from an ankle operation up here," Bowden said. "The players and staff have been very friendly and I am working very hard. The formula at Tigers has been successful over the years, so there is no reason to change it.

"There is always demand for a player who can play at inside-centre and fly-half, and I had initially planned to return to New Zealand. But Leicester were interested and there is expertise everywhere here. I thought this was the best place to go and improve my game."