Jimmy Cowan

Jimmy Cowan

Cowan during a Rugby World Cup visit, September 2011
Full name	Quinton James Cowan
Date of birth	(1982-03-06) 6 March 1982 (age 43)
Place of birth	Gore, New Zealand
Height	182 cm (6 ft 0 in)
Weight	95 kg (209 lb; 14 st 13 lb)
School	Gore High School
Notable relative(s)	Scott Cowan (brother)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Half-back Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 2000–2016 Southland 111 (106) 2003–2012 Highlanders 108 (50) 2012–2014 Gloucester 38 (5) 2014–2015 Tasman 23 (40) 2015 Blues 14 (5) Correct as of 9 June 2019 International career Years Team Apps (Points) 2002–2003 New Zealand U21 10 (20) 2004–2011 New Zealand 53 (35) 2007 Junior All Blacks 5 (0) 2014 Barbarian F.C. 1 (0) Correct as of 9 June 2019

Quinton James Cowan (born 6 March 1982) is a New Zealand

Cowan was identified as a promising halfback, and is a product of New Zealand's rugby development program. In 2001, he was selected in New Zealand's World Cup Winning Under 19 team.[1] In 2002 and 2003 he was also selected in the New Zealand Colts, winning the Under-21 Rugby World Cup in 2003.^{[citation needed]}

Cowan debuted for the

In September 2012, his final game for Southland before his move to Gloucester saw him reach 100 caps. He is one of only two New Zealanders to have ever registered a century for both his province and a Super Rugby franchise (the other being former All Black captain Tana Umaga).^[2]

After a strong 2002 NPC, Cowan was selected for the

Cowan started a majority of the

Over the next three years Cowan was a feature in a poor Highlanders side becoming captain in 2009.^[3] In 2011 with the appointment of a new coach Jamie Joseph, resulted in Jamie Mackintosh replacing Cowan as team captain.

In April 2012, Cowan became only the second player in the Highlanders' history to record a century of games (after Anton Oliver, 127).^[4] In 2012, the impressive form of new arrival Aaron Smith forced Cowan to become an impact player off the bench.^[5] Following the 2012 season and after 108 games for the Highlanders, with 26 as captain ^{[citation needed]}

Cowan made his All Black debut age 22, versus Italy, coming on as a substitute. In his first test he performed admirably with a probing running game, accurate passing and stout defence marking his performance. ^{[citation needed]} His first game as part of the starting line-up was against the Barbarians in 2004.^{[citation needed]}

Cowan was next selected for the All Blacks during their successful 2005 Grand Slam Tour. During this tour Cowan played as a substitute in three test matches victories against Wales, Ireland and Scotland.^[1] During 2006, Cowan was one of the three halfbacks being used by the All Blacks for their successful

In 2008, he began to appear regularly for the All Blacks, initially he was primarily used as a substitute. However, midway through the Tri Nations his good form was rewarded and he was recognised as the premier halfback.[1] That November, Cowan was again selected for the All Blacks successful Grand Slam Tour. Coincidentally, it is also during this year that Cowan faced charges related to several incidents of drink-related disorderly behaviour. During a disciplinary hearing, the NZRU provided him with an ultimatum receive alcohol counseling and give up alcohol or lose his contract.^[6]

In 2010, Cowan spearheaded the All Black recovery from a poor 2009 Tri Nations.^{[citation needed]} Despite recovering from a rib injury the All Blacks won every game with Cowan playing.^{[citation needed]} He also played in the 2010 Hong Kong Bledisloe Cup Test game in Hong Kong, scoring a try for the All Blacks.^[7][8] Later that year Cowan played a key role in the All Blacks third successful Grand Slam in five years.^{[citation needed]}

Cowan started the 2011 season as the incumbent All Black halfback; however, injuries and indifferent Super and International form resulted in his demotion to the third choice halfback behind Piri Weepu and Andy Ellis. Despite this, Cowan still played an important role in the All Blacks successful 2011 Rugby World Cup, where he played four games (two as substitute) against Tonga, Japan, Canada and Argentina (RWC Quarterfinal).^[1]

In total Cowan played 53 games for the All Blacks with 51 test matches.^[1]

On 17 April 2012, Jimmy Cowan would leave the Highlanders to join English side

On 1 June 2014, Cowan was selected for the Barbarians defeating England 39–29 at Twickenham Stadium^[11] On 7 June 2014, Cowan was also selected for World XV, as a replacement from the bench, losing to South Africa 47–13 at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa.^[12]

On 14 July 2014, Cowan returned home to New Zealand as he joins

Cowan is renowned for his competitive nature and determination. Former teammate Daniel Carter rates Cowan as one of the best defensive halfbacks going around, and says it was like having another loose forward in their side.^[10]

Coaches and teammates report that Cowan's strongest quality as a person, is his loyalty. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Southlanders Jeff Wilson, Justin Marshall, Mils Muliaina and Corey Flynn all shifted north to play for larger unions, as they looked to advance their prospects. At the beginning of his career, Cowan received several enticing offers from Super Rugby host provinces, but knocked them back to remain with the Stags and Highlanders.^[15]

Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry said Cowan was one of the most well-respected players in the national squad and that he had the rare ability to relate with everyone in the team. "He was an extremely popular guy in the All Blacks. Probably, if the All Blacks had to vote on the ultimate team man, I think he would get the prize."^[15]

• Highlanders profile
• All Blacks ace arrested
• Jimmy Cowan at ESPNscrum