Scotland call up Blair Cowan to replace injured Grant Gilchrist

Back-row forward Blair Cowan has been called up by Scotland to replace Grant Gilchrist in their Rugby World Cup squad.

Gilchrist was ruled out of the rest of the World Cup with a groin injury after coming off during the Scots' win over the USA in Leeds on Sunday.

London Irish forward Cowan was a surprise omission from Vern Cotter's initial 31-man squad after starting all five of Scotland's matches during this year's Six Nations.

He will now be able to have an impact for Scotland in the remainder of the tournament, starting with their third Pool B match against South Africa on Saturday in Newcastle.

Cotter's side are top of the group after two games thanks to bonus-point victories over Japan and the USA, with two-time champions South Africa three points behind after a win and a loss.