By Jonathan B Geddes

CLASSY Australian No.10 Jack Bowen is set to confirm a move overseas in the next fortnight to continue his career after being let go by the underachieving NSW Waratahs.

The 22-year-old told Rugby News he has been in discussions with clubs in France, England and Japan. 

The revelation came after Bowen showed Aussie rugby what they will lose by producing a masterclass for Eastern Suburbs in their 28-19 win over Warringah in a fiercely contested top-of-the-table Shute Shield clash at Rat Park on Saturday.

Bowen’s display included a marvellous solo try after 50 seconds, showing great vision to spot a gap and race 23m to score. The only glitch was a pass intercepted by Warringah winger Tristan Leffers, who ran away for a try.  

“I’m working through things at the moment,” Bowen said after the game. “I want to be a Wallaby, I want to play for Australia.

“The best thing I can do right now is to go overseas and play 30 games a year – and come back with that 2031 World Cup in mind.

“I’ve got options in France, England and Japan. Hopefully I’ll l have a decision in the next one or two weeks.”

THE RUGBY ROLLERCOASTER

AFTER playing all of last year with a stress fracture in his pelvis which required painkillers before each game, inexplicably Bowen only made five appearances for NSW this season.

“I had to bide my time and wait for an opportunity, which was frustrating,” Bowen admitted. “It was definitely a rollercoaster because I felt like I could have been playing Super Rugby.

“I felt like when I got my chance I was able to take it, which is the pleasing thing for me.” 

Departing the Waratahs has added significance because Bowen has been in their system for eight years.

“It is disappointing not to be at your childhood club. I’ve been there since I was 14-years-old and signed my first contract there when I was 16,” he said.

It looks like the Waratahs squad next season will include three No.10s – Bernard Foley, Joey Fowler and Max Burey. 
But allowing Bowen to slip through the net is a short-sighted decision.

As Easts coach Ben Batger said, Bowen’s imminent departure was “disappointing for Australian rugby when you talk about a 22-year-old who has been through the pathways, club rugby, Aussie 20s, who is now coming into his prime.   

“He’s in a really good spot in his rugby where he knows when to kick, knows when to pass, knows when to play conservatively and when to pull the trigger.”

 Bowen has a potent scrum-base combination with dynamic Easts and NSW No.9 Teddy Wilson – and it isn’t a stretch to imagine them forming a Wallabies halves pairing down the track.
Back to full fitness, Bowen is enjoying his rugby at Easts, who top the table and confirmed themselves as premiership favourites after Saturday’s victory.  

“I love it, it’s so much fun coming down to training and with the culture we have created, we have a real edge to us at the moment,” he said. 

 GREAT EXPECTATIONS MET

THE much-anticipated grand final rematch didn’t disappoint, a bruising battle of attrition featuring moments of individual brilliance.
“The Rats are a quality side, so we were going to be up against it today on their home ground,” Bowen said. “For us, it was always going to be a big challenge and a great intensity match.

“We left a fair number of points out there which is always disappointing, but also a pleasing thing knowing we can get a lot better.”
Batger said the game was worthy of one-versus-two on the ladder.

“It was a really physical game of footy, nothing much in it,” he said. “I don’t think we were at our best and that is probably a credit to the Rats’ defence as well.” 

His Warringah counterpart Josh Holmes was gracious in defeat.

“We were in the game, it was a good game of footy,” he said. “I think the two best teams played each other and we had our opportunities.
“We probably didn’t get the ball as much in the second half, and on the flipside they controlled the ball really well.”

Rats powerhouse No.12 Lebron Naea was a standout, and the spectacular individual try by their Fijian Drua winger Ilaisia Droasese was a game highlight.