16 Sep 2012

Cowan sent off in style by the Stags

7:24 pm on 16 September 2012

The former All Black halfback Jimmy Cowans's provincial rugby career has come to a close with his Southland side thrashing Hawkes Bay 35-7 in Invercargill.

The Stags led 9-7 at half-time and sent Cowan out in style in his 100th game, holding the visitors scoreless in the second half - while the 30-year-old finished the game with a try-saving tackle.

It's Southland's first win of the ITM Cup season.

Cowan flies out to his new English Premiership side Gloucester, joining his brother and fellow Southland No.9 Scott in Europe. Scott Cowan's taken up a contract with top Italian club Viadana.