Blair Cowan’s zest for rugby is undiminished as he finally gets his chance

It wasn’t quite 15 minutes of fame but it was an important quarter of an hour for Blair Cowan.

Blair Cowan won his first Scotland in almost five years. Picture: Laszlo Geczo/INPHO/Shutterstock

The flanker finally got a taste of the action in the latter stages of the 31-16 defeat in Dublin having been named in the Scotland squad at the start of the elongated international window back in mid-October.

Cowan’s 18th cap was his first in almost five years, a fitting reward for the London Irish forward whose consistency at club level has not gone unnoticed by Gregor Townsend.

“It was amazing for me,” said the player. “Obviously the result, and coming on and chasing the game, wasn’t ideal. But for me personally and for my family . . . . in the last two years not thinking it was possible . . . it was amazing. A big thank you to everyone who has supported me through this time, and especially to Gregor for giving me the opportunity.”

Now 34, Cowan could be forgiven for preserving his energy and concentrating on club rugby but the fire still burns brightly for the New Zealand-born backrower with the Scottish mother.

“They say age is just a number. But to me, I still have that hunger and excitement like I did when I was 16,” he said. “I’m waiting for that hunger and excitement to drift away, and as long as it’s still there I’ll keep playing. As long as the body responds, I’m good to go.”

With his flowing locks, Cowan bears a resemblance to another senior sportsman in Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede also appears to be at the peak of his powers, so does he see the likeness?

“I wish I could get his salary!” Cowan joked. “But I honestly do [feel I’m at my peak]. I still work around like a youngster. I love it. Genuinely, from the bottom of my heart, I’m loving rugby, and the environments I’m in, with Scotland or club. It’s a pretty rare thing for people to get to do what they love and what they grew up loving, so I’m just going to keep riding this train and hopefully I keep getting the opportunities. I’m very privileged.”

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