Pek Cowan to continue career overseas if Force fold
WALLABIES prop Pek Cowan says he will probably make the heartbreaking decision to continue his rugby career overseas if the Western Force are axed.
The Force’s future hangs in the balance after the Australian Rugby Union decided to cut them from the Super Rugby competition.
Cowan has been with the Force from their inception in 2006, and the 31-year-old would have been a certainty to re-sign had the franchise not been under threat.
Seven weeks ago, Cowan’s strong form was rewarded with a call-up into an extended Wallabies squad.
But the 10-Test prop appears certain to be lost to Australian rugby if the Force do fold.
“It would be heartbreaking to have to make that decision,” Cowan said of continuing his career overseas.
“But I’d be making that decision because the club wouldn’t be here. It would be with a heavy heart that I would have to move on.
“I have two boys aged seven and eight. And my wife is 28 weeks pregnant.
“There’s a few other guys whose partners are pregnant as well, or have just had kids.
“This is not a pleasant situation we’re in.
“You’re being told to sit and wait and hang on tight. But we have lives to live.
“This game has given us so much. But at the same time, it feels like it’s draining us so much as well.”
Pek Cowan says he feels like the Western Force have been the black sheep of Australian rugby.
Pek Cowan says he feels like the Western Force have been the black sheep of Australian rugby.
Cowan said even if the Force do survive, it would be an uneasy feeling playing under the umbrella of the ARU.
“Emotionally it’s hard to commit to a team where you feel the governing body doesn’t want you there anyway,” Cowan said.
“You kind of feel like you’re the black sheep.”
More here: http://www.news.com.au/sport/rugby/s...d3816f87f54406
