Rowe played Rugby union for the Newton club in Auckland, usually fullback, but also as a wing or centre.

[3] Rowe became an invaluable part of the touring team and between 1907 and 1909 he was to play in nine rugby league test matches.

In 1908 he played in the first ever trans-Tasman test which was the début match of the Australia national rugby league team.

He scored two tries in the second test match against Australia, a game which New Zealand won 11–10 to clinch the series.

They went away for a weeks training prior to meeting the Australian side however it made little difference as they were well beaten.