MEDIA ARTICLES
Doug signs with Munster
Doug has signed a two-and-a half year contract with Munster and will head to Ireland in January.
Press release from NZRFU:
Doug Howlett announces plans to play overseas
NZRU acknowledges contribution of record-setting winger
The New Zealand Rugby Union today recognised the contribution of Doug Howlett to New Zealand rugby as the All Blacks wing confirmed his move overseas.
Howlett, who is in the All Blacks 30-man Rugby World Cup squad currently, will join Irish club side Munster after this year’s Rugby World Cup tournament.
While disappointed to lose a player of such talent, the NZRU recognises the significant interest in, and demand for, New Zealand's leading players for clubs and teams in Europe and Japan.
All Blacks Coach Graham Henry today paid tribute to Howlett.
“Doug is a quality international player who has proven his ability at the highest level. He is a marvellous professional and excellent role model, and although it is disappointing to see a player of his class go overseas, we will always remember the outstanding contribution he has made to New Zealand rugby.”
Howlett has had an illustrious career. He made his All Blacks debut in 2000 against Tonga and has since played 60 games for the All Blacks, including 59 Tests, scoring 43 tries. He is just four tries short of breaking Christian Cullen’s all-time All Blacks Test try-scoring record.
At Rebel Sport Super 14 level, Howlett became the seventh New Zealand player to reach 100 Super 14 games and with six tries in the 2007 competition, he also set a new record for the most Super 14 tries with 59.
For Auckland he has played 58 games and has scored 50 tries for the province.
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Press release from Auckland Rugby:
AUCKLAND FAREWELLS ONE OF THE BEST
All Black, Blues and Auckland star winger Doug Howlett will be heading overseas next year.
Howlett has signed a two-and-a half year contract with Munster and will head to Ireland in January.
A veteran of 104 Super 14 matches in New Zealand (99 for the Blues) across an impressive 10 year career, the 28 year-old has played his last game on New Zealand soil in the foreseeable future.
“This was a very big decision to make. I have had an amazing rugby career in New Zealand and I am grateful to every person who has worked with me and contributed to that.
“New Zealand will always be home and I consider next year at Munster as a fantastic opportunity to play for another great club and experience a different lifestyle with my family,” says Howlett.
Blues coach David Nucifora says Howlett’s presence in the squad, on and off the field will be missed.
“Doug is a natural leader and athlete. He has always looked out for his team-mates and lead from the front. He trains hard, plays hard and fully commits to those around him. He has had a superb year, working hard to return to the form which has gained him World Cup selection. Munster will be fortunate to have him.”
Auckland coach Pat Lam agrees. “Doug is an outstanding player and person. He has contributed so much to Auckland rugby from the time he first wore the blue and white jersey to the last. We will sorely miss him but are pleased for him and his family.”
Even though he is currently the top try scorer in Super rugby, Howlett is not one to seek accolades and attention, says Blues/Auckland CEO Andy Dalton.
“His career has been truly impressive and his popularity with fans and players is second to none. He is a wonderful ambassador in the community for all the great things about this game and I thank him especially for his contribution to the Blues and Auckland rugby.”
Howlett will play for Munster from January 2008.
Career overview since 1997 –
104 Super 14 caps - 99 for the Blues (59 tries)
58 provincial caps (50 tries)
59 test caps (43 tries – prior to Rugby World Cup)
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Press Release from Munster Rugby:
HOWLETT MUNSTER BOUND
Munster Rugby has announced the signing of All Black Doug Howlett, who will commence a two and a half year contract on January 1st 2008, subject to medical and fitness clearance and the player obtaining a valid work permit.
Munster Rugby Director of Coaching Declan Kidney says “We are delighted to have someone of Doug’s calibre and quality joining the squad. A lot of credit must go to Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald and outgoing Manager Jerry Holland for acquiring Doug’s services in such a complex market.”
“There’s a lot of rugby to be played in the next few months, however we are looking forward to welcoming Doug to the Munster fold on January 1st.”
Munster Rugby CEO Garrett Fitzgerald says “Doug is a world class player at the peak of his playing career and is respected by all that know him. Doug agreeing to join Munster is a great boost for our supporters, players and management. We wish him well in the RWC and look forward to him and his family arriving in Ireland.”
Speaking on the move Howlett said “This was a very big decision to make. I have had an amazing rugby career in New Zealand and I am grateful to every person who has worked with me and contributed to that.
“I consider next year at Munster as a fantastic opportunity to play for another great club and experience a different lifestyle with my family,” says Howlett.
Twenty eight year old Howlett is currently the top try scorer in Super rugby. He made his All Blacks debut in 2000 against Tonga and has since played 60 games for the All Blacks, including 59 Tests, scoring 43 tries. He is just four tries short of breaking Christian Cullen’s all-time All Blacks Test try-scoring record.
At Super 14 level, Howlett became the seventh New Zealand player to reach 100 Super 14 games and with six tries in the 2007 competition. He also set a new record for the most Super 14 tries with 59. For Auckland he has played 58 games and has scored 50 tries for the province.
Career overview since 1997 –
104 Super 14 caps - 99 for the Blues (59 tries)
58 provincial caps (50 tries)
59 test caps (43 tries – prior to Rugby World Cup)
