Blair Cowan in for injured Gilchrist
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Blair Cowan in for injured Gilchrist
Head coach Vern Cotter today added back-row Blair Cowan to the 31-man Scotland squad for Rugby World Cup 2015, as a replacement for injured lock Grant Gilchrist (groin).
The 29-year-old London Irish loose forward has made 13 appearances for his country since his summer Test debut against USA last year, and started every match in the following 2014 autumn Tests and 2015 Six Nations.
He joined the squad in Newcastle this morning and began preparing for this Saturday’s Pool B match against South Africa at St James’ Park.
Cotter said: “We’re all really disappointed for Grant [Gilchrist] who is an important player to the group, both as an athlete and a decent human being.
“Blair, who comes in, was a bit unfortunate to miss out on selection in the initial 31-man group, but has shown great character to continue his work, stay fit and focussed, in case such an opportunity came up.
He knows our systems well having spent a lot of time with this group before and during our pre-season campaign and will fit in seamlessly, and bring his freshness, leadership and enthusiasm to our training ahead of some very tough Test matches.
The 29-year-old London Irish loose forward has made 13 appearances for his country since his summer Test debut against USA last year, and started every match in the following 2014 autumn Tests and 2015 Six Nations.
He joined the squad in Newcastle this morning and began preparing for this Saturday’s Pool B match against South Africa at St James’ Park.
Cotter said: “We’re all really disappointed for Grant [Gilchrist] who is an important player to the group, both as an athlete and a decent human being.
“Blair, who comes in, was a bit unfortunate to miss out on selection in the initial 31-man group, but has shown great character to continue his work, stay fit and focussed, in case such an opportunity came up.
He knows our systems well having spent a lot of time with this group before and during our pre-season campaign and will fit in seamlessly, and bring his freshness, leadership and enthusiasm to our training ahead of some very tough Test matches.
