Rugby: Cowan has an eye on foreign challenges

Jimmy Cowan of the Highlanders. Photo / Getty Images

Jimmy Cowan says he's always fighting for his spot. Picture / Getty Images

It's a great way to experience another culture, isn't it?Jimmy Cowan Jimmy Cowan says he has faced challenges all his life and is determined to face up to the latest from Aaron Smith.

Cowan is off contract with the New Zealand Rugby Union at the end of the year and said a move to an overseas club next year was a definite possibility. "I'm not getting any younger," he said. "It's a great way to experience another culture, isn't it?"

But it is his contest with High-landers teammate Smith which has his attention for now and it is one he is ready to tackle head-on.

Smith was a standout in the No9 jersey in the Highlanders' 27-24 victory over the Crusaders at Dunedin's indoor stadium. His quick passing from the breakdown allowed the Highlanders to make easy inroads into the Crusaders' defence and was a big factor in keeping his side on top of the New Zealand conference.

Cowan, on the other hand, was left to watch from the reserves bench, the former Highlanders skipper wearing a face like thunder throughout, which raised questions about his plans.

"It's round two and to Aaron's credit he had a great pre-season and he had a great game on Saturday where he capped it off," said Cowan. "You have got to give credit where it's due and he's playing very well.

"Anything can happen with injuries and so forth. I've just got to keep working hard on the training pitch and when I get my chance I've got to take it with two hands. There's certainly a challenge there and I have had challenges all through my life. This is just another one and I'm looking forward to it."

Cowan, who turned 30 on Tuesday, has also seen his stocks fall in the All Blacks. He went from first-choice halfback to third-choice at the World Cup but his combative nature and competitive spirit will be missed within New Zealand rugby if he decides to take up with a foreign club.

He has responded to setbacks before - he turned his life around after several incidents with alcohol which culminated in a final warning from the New Zealand Rugby Union - and he isn't one to dodge an issue, which is why he was so forthright in talking about the latest one.

"We're two different players," he said of 23-year-old Smith, who has been groomed by Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph with the New Zealand Maori. "He's got his strengths and I've got mine. There's no point in my trying to do what he does and him trying to emulate me. Certainly, there's a game plan that I've got to adapt to.

"I know where I stand and I'll certainly work hard on the training pitch to deliver for the coach."

But the 51-test veteran is keeping the door open on an overseas move. "I'm like all professionals in New Zealand who are coming off contract," he said. "I'm certainly looking."