[3] Cowey was born in Tidworth, Wiltshire in 1911 but when he joined the British Armed Forces, he was posted in the Welch Regiment, traditionally the reserve of Welsh nationals.
Outside the army, Cowey played for two first class rugby union clubs: London Welsh and Newport.
Although five of the players from that match were never selected for Wales again, Cowey wasn't amongst them and returned for the next game against Scotland.
Cowey repaid the selectors' trust in him with two tries in the Scotland match, and again in the last game of the tournament when he scored another against Ireland.
Under the captaincy of Wilf Wooller, Wales drew the match after a late penalty goal from Boughton.