Sean Maitland is looking forward to playing his Samoan cousin in Kobe.
Sean Maitland is looking forward to going up against his cousin Pele Cowley having missed the chance when Scotland met Samoa in Newcastle four years ago.
The New Zealand-born Scotland wing has Samoan relatives, his maternal grandfather having been born on the islands, and his mother is half-Samoan. Cowley, who was born in New Zealand but now lives on the islands, is Samoa’s reserve scrum-half.
“My mum is half-Samoan, my grandad was born in Samoa and emigrated to New Zealand in the 1960s,” he said. “My little cousin being on the bench for Samoa makes this really special for the family.
“We have a big family contingent coming over for this game tomorrow.”
The pair nearly came up against each other in the Newcastle game four years ago.
“Pele was meant to play against is in Newcastle but he got injured,” continued Maitland. “That was a pretty cool game to play in and I’m sure tomorrow night is going to be similar.
“We grew up together. It’s pretty crazy where rugby takes you on this journey. I can’t wait for the game and hopefully he gets on and I get one up on him.”
Scotland in Japan: Sean Maitland ready for a family affair
