Words by Tom Connor.
Tonight’s opening round 11 Super Rugby match between the Chiefs and Western Force will not only kick off the centenary commemorations as part of Super Rugby’s ANZAC round, it will also mark another special milestone century. Pek Cowan is set to run out for his 100th Super Rugby and Western Force cap, becoming only the second Force player behind Captain Matt Hodgson to reach the milestone.
Often an unsung hero of the Western Force pack, Pek Cowan is renowned as one of the toughest players at the club. Using his stocky frame to his advantage come scrum time, Pek has developed a formidable combination with Nathan Charles and Tetera Faulkner in recent seasons.
Born in Wellington, New Zealand, Pek has represented Australia throughout his rugby career, including at the Under 19s and Under 21s World Championships. Now in his 10th season with the Western Force, Pek joined the Club as a foundation member back in their inaugural year in 2006. Pek developed as a hardworking and technically adept Prop and was called upon to make his Super Rugby debut against the Waratahs that same year.
Cementing himself as a Super Rugby regular, Pek was rewarded for his consistency with a call up to the national team in 2009. He became Wallaby no.834 when he made his Test debut against Italy in June. Since then he has amassed ten Wallaby Caps, the last of which came against Argentina during the 2014 Rugby Championship.
Like a fine wine, Pek continues to improve with age; now an integral part of the Western Force’s leadership group, he has also captained the side three times in the absence of regular skipper, Matt Hodgson. Recently resigning with the Force until the end of 2016, the unswerving forward looks set to finish his Super Rugby career as a one club player – a rarity in this day and age.
With big money offers coming in from foreign markets, one of the major reasons behind the 28-year-olds decision to remain at the club was a burning desire to see the Western Force taste long overdue success. After coming so close last year there is a feeling of unfinished business in the West, and with the club slowly developing a healthy balance between youth and experience you can’t help but think they aren’t far off living up to their namesake and becoming a Super Rugby force.
For now though, the WA-based side are focused on breaking their eight-game losing streak in Waikato against the Chiefs tonight. With so much to play for, this promises to be the first of three fiery Trans-Tasman affairs scheduled for this weekend’s ANZAC round.
RUPA would like to congratulate Pek on this significant milestone and wish him and the Western Force all the best in the match tonight.
