Rugby Union
Betty backs Cowan to shine

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WORCESTER Warriors flanker Sam Betty believes his former Cornish Pirates teammate Blair Cowan will be a big hit at Sixways.

The new signing could be back alongside Betty in the back row for the upcoming LV= Cup ties after signing a deal, which will keep him at Warriors until at least 2013.

New Zealand-born Cowan, 25, who is known for his strong ball carrying skills at number eight, made 79 appearances, scoring 26 tries during his time at the Championship club.

After agreeing the deal with Warriors, he then broke the news to Betty, who is now looking forward to having him back in the same team.

"I'm good friends with Blair and he is a very talented player," he said.

"From playing with him I know he is a really good ball carrier and makes things happen. He works really hard and is pretty lively around the field. I am sure he will do well."

Warriors head coach Richard Hill will be hoping Cowan makes as big an impression as Betty, who has been in impressive form of late, playing in six of the last seven games, which has delighted the flanker.

"I wasn't sure how much I would play when I first came here - I hoped I would get a few games," Betty said.

But obviously I have been quite happy now to get a run of games in the Premiership and I am really enjoying it."

The 25-year-old, who is beginning to establish himself as Hill's first choice number six, is struggling to believe how much things have changed in a year as he looks set to be part of the team to face a star-studded Stade Francais in Paris next week.

"This time last year I wouldn't have expected to play a side like Stade in Paris," Betty added. "It is mad how much can happen in a year and it is going well here."

Betty will be on the bench to face Banca Monte Crociati in Warriors' Amlin Challenge Cup clash at Sixways on Saturday (3pm).