Cowan to play for Gloucester

Wellington - All Blacks scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan says he will quit New Zealand rugby later this year to play for English club Gloucester.

The 28-year-old Cowan, who has played 51 Tests for New Zealand and more than 100 Super Rugby matches for the Highlanders, announced his decision at a news conference on Tuesday.

All Blacks coach Steven Hansen described Cowan as "a passionate player and fantastic team man" who had won the respect of all of his teammates.

New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said "Jimmy is one of the real characters of New Zealand rugby and has grown so much as a player and a person since coming onto the scene more than a decade ago."