Bowen was first selected to play for Wales against England at the Rectory Field, Blackheath in 1886 under the captaincy of Charlie Newman.

[2] Bowen was re-selected for the next game of the 1886 Home Nations Championship this time against Scotland at the Cardiff Arms Park.

In 1887 Bowen played in all three games of the 1887 Championship, including the draw with England at Llanelli's cricket ground and the win against Ireland at Birkenhead Park.

Although Bowen missed the 1888 tournament he did play against the touring New Zealand Maoris.

[3] Bowen's last game for Wales was against Scotland at Raeburn Place in another one sided win for the Scottish team.