London Irish back row forward Blair Cowan has been called up to the Scotland World Cup squad, as an injury replacement for Grant Gilchrist. The second row left the field injured during the first half of Scotland’s 39-16 win over USA on Sunday.
Cowan was part of Scotland’s initial training squad, and was a surprise exclusion from the final World Cup group having been one of Cotter’s go-to men in the back row during his stint in charge.
The New Zealand-born flanker qualifies for Scotland through his mother, and will join David Denton, John Hardie, Josh Strauss, Alasdair Strokosch and Ryan Wilson as the back-rowers in the squad. It leaves Cotter with only three recognised locks at his disposal – Tim Swinson and brothers Jonny and Richie Gray.
Photo by: Patrick Khachfe / Onside Images
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