Pekahou James More Cowan

A New Zealand-born, skilful front-rower, Pek Cowan was both a foundation member and loyal servant of the Western Force franchise.

The Cowan family moved to Australia and Pek attended Narrabeen Sports High School on Sydney’s northern beaches. He followed a traditional path to higher honours as a decorated Australian Schools and age-grade representative at both U19 and U21 levels.

More than capable on either side of the scrum and particularly strong over the ball at the breakdown, Cowan made his Super Rugby debut for the Force against the Waratahs in 2006. However, it was not until 2009 that he finally managed to break into the Test squad and make his international debut against Italy in Melbourne.

Cowan played 10 Tests over his six-year Wallaby career although his durability was evident when he was named in the broader squad for the 2017 international season. 

Highlights

2003

Cowan represented Australian Schools against Tongan Schools, Fijian Schools and New Zealand Schools. HIs front row partners in each of the three Tests were fellow future Wallabies Laurie Weeks and Saia Fainga’a. 

2004

Represented Australian Schools against Ireland Schools, Samoan Schools and New Zealand Schools. Represented Australia at the inaugural IRB U19s World Championship in South Africa. 

2005

Selected in the Australian squad for the second-annual IRB U19s World Championship tournament in South Africa. Selected in the Australian squad for the fourth-annual IRB U21s World Championship tournament in Argentina. 

2006

Selected in the Australian squad for the fifth-annual IRB U21 Rugby World Championships tournament in France.

2009

Cowan won his first Test cap as a starting loose-head prop in the 34-12, 2nd Test victory over Italy in Melbourne. He picked up two more caps as a replacement at the back end of the Tri-Nations’ tournament. 

2010

Cowan earned a single Test cap off the bench in the victory over Fiji in Canberra.

2011

Cowan won a single cap when he replaced Kurtley Beale in the 39-20, 1st Test win over South Africa in Sydney. 

2014

In his final season of international rugby Cowan earned five Test caps, two against the touring French and three during the Rugby Championship.