"The funding comes from England Hockey and the clubs who are represented in the leagues. Hockey SA could definitely benefit from a National league, as I don’t believe the regional [SA provincial premier] leagues are of a good enough standard. If SA focused on a Provincial National League system, thus maintaining the standard of IPT over a longer period, individuals and teams would benefit greatly.

Obviously on the financial side of things, this requires funding and the travel would be quite demanding. However, if it did materialise, I believe South Africa would experience an even greater improvement in their hockey, both tactically and skilfully, which would improve performances at an international level. 

"The English players, as well as the Welsh, are constantly being exposed to competition where they are pushed mentally and physically on a weekly basis against a variety of opposition. Players who are identified as possible internationals are given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities every week. In comparison, SA players face the best the country has to offer only one week of the year, making SA selection seem too brief a process.

Many players seem to slip through the system unnoticed due to these policies and players are selected based on past performances rather then current form.

"However, the England junior set-up was severely criticised after last year's U21 World Cup hockey competition. They had unlimited financial resources and could not have been more prepared.

Yet, after countless hours' training, competitive matches against other international powerhouses, like Australia, and attending the Junior Olympic Competition, they only managed to finish in 16th position, losing to SA in the playoff. The raw talent that South Africa have, especially in the junior hockey ranks, is testament to how successful they can be on the international stage.

"After completing my university studies in 2006, I wanted to travel and I also wanted to play. I had a British Passport so the UK was the obvious choice. England was calling - the hockey was more professional and the lure of the pound was strong.

"My ambition was to make the South African side and so spending seasons overseas would ensure I was playing all year round and exposing myself to different styles, tactics and environmental elements, which could only improve my hockey. I wanted to play the highest level possible and so approached clubs in the top flight.

"The longer I spent in England, the more comfortable I became. It has allowed me to live as a professional hockey player and coach, a lifestyle that just was not possible in SA. I could not find a job in South Africa and I seemed to be creating a career for myself in Europe.


"I was coaching at Barnes HC with Brian Hibbert [a top coach at just about every level from schools to senior in SA] who was involved with the Wales set-up. He asked me to get in touch with the Wales Hockey Union as I had Welsh eligibility. I was returning to SA to play IPT and try and gain selection for the SA side, so I didn’t think much about Wales. I sent the WHU my details and didn’t hear back from them.

After IPT, I was not chosen for the SA side, and ironically after the team was announced I received a reply from the WHU asking me to attend camp in a few weeks. I spoke to various personnel within SA hockey to get their perspective on the situation, as SA selection was all I had ever wanted and worked towards. I knew that if I got selected for Wales, the SA dream was finished but I had done everything I could for selection and it was not going to happen."

The 2009 Southerns side, beaten by KZN Coastal Raiders in the final, arguably played the most exciting hockey at IPT at the AB Jackson Greenfields Turf hockey stadium in Pietermaritzburg, and Bowen was a key player in that side. He is modest about his ability, but clearly he has impressed those in the UK who matter on the international front. (JC)

"Wales had offered me an opportunity and I didn’t want to let it pass by. I attended camp, played well and was selected. A month later, I debuted against Scotland at the Celtic Cup in Cork, Ireland. Due to the Welsh international schedule, I was required to be in the UK more and more and was forced to map out a life for myself in Europe, which I have achieved and I now love it over here.

Life is busy. I was accepted to study my MSc Sport Psychology degree at Roehampton University in London, which again, was not something I had planned. I was rejected by a few institutions in South Africa due to various reasons that don't apply in the UK. It is a very challenging course and it keeps me busy, but it’s only one year and then I’m qualified- finally! And life doesn’t stop there, we (Wales) went to the World Cup Qualifying tournament in New Zealand which will hopefully allow us to gain enough ranking points to be invited to the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Opportunities arise from the strangest places and at different times. Even though they may not be what you are striving towards, you have to recognise them and be realistic within yourself. I never wanted to leave SA and I definitely did not want to play for anyone but South Africa. Yet, certain things are just out of your control.

Whether it is due to politics or just not being good enough, the South African selectors never gave me an opportunity and deciding to leave was the most difficult decision I have had to make. However, I have no regrets with my choice and I am thoroughly proud to be involved with Wales, yet SA will always be my home and I will always support them!