Cowan Called Up To Scotland Squad as Gilchrist Replacement

Scotland have added back-row forward Blair Cowan to their World Cup squad as an injury replacement, the Scottish Rugby Union has announced.

The London Irish forward has been called up after Scotland lost lock Grant Gilchrist to injury on Monday.

The SRU announced the move on their official Twitter account, saying: "BREAKING: Back-row @Blair_CowanTC added to @Scotlandteam squad as injury replacement. Welcome aboard Blair!"

Gilchrist was ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a groin injury after lasting just 18 minutes of Sunday's win over the United States at Elland Road.

New Zealand-born Cowan was a surprise omission from Vern Cotter's initial 31-man squad after starting all five of Scotland's matches during this year's RBS 6 Nations.

His hopes of being included were ended when Cotter controversially opted for John Hardie, another Kiwi loose forward whose call-up came just five weeks after he touched down on Scottish soil for the first time.

Cowan, 29, has now been given his chance, though, and will hope to add to his 11 caps as Scotland seek to progress out of Pool B.

Cotter's men are currently three points clear of South Africa at the top of the standings having beaten Japan and the USA in their opening two matches.

Next up for the Scots is a crunch clash with the Springboks in Newcastle on Saturday, before they complete their group campaign against Samoa at St James' Park the following weekend.