Howlett to Munster

daveirl · 30-08-2007 9:56am #1

This post has been deleted.

RuggieBear · 30-08-2007 9:57am

But what about earls and that other winger (i can't remember his name)?

But good player alright.

Tim Robbins · 30-08-2007 10:08am

RuggieBear wrote:

But what about earls and that other winger (i can't remember his name)?

But good player alright.

I think Earls is a center. Is it Carney you not thinking of?
Lewis, Mafi, Murphy all will be fighting for 13 and Tipoki the 12.
Should be interesting.
But my only concern is the old chestnut is spending this amount of money on an oversees player the best thing for Irish Rugby.
Why can't they take Gary Brown from Leinster? Or go for Geordan Murphy?

RuggieBear · 30-08-2007 10:12am

no. not them.

they have a potentially very good young flyer. just can't think of his name

daveirl · 30-08-2007 10:13am

This post has been deleted.

Sangre · 30-08-2007 10:24am

As signings go this is a probably a perfect one for Munster, they've always lacked that dagger edge in the back three.

tHE vAGGABOND · 30-08-2007 10:36am

someone to replace cullen on the physio bench

EdgarAllenPoo · 30-08-2007 10:45am

That would be a nice change especially with Tipoki also on the books. With the forwards Munster have maybe they finally smashed the piggy bank for some good backs.

Some might say that they're taking the places of young Irish players and to some extent that's true but it can't do any harm to be the understudy of someone like Shaun Payne or Howlett.

zAbbo · 30-08-2007 2:56pm

Didn't know Howlett was injured ?

Snickers Man · 30-08-2007 3:19pm

Sangre wrote:

As signings go this is a probably a perfect one for Munster, they've always lacked that dagger edge in the back three.

No. It's just that they've always managed to blunt it. FFS they had the New Zealand try-scoring record holder for years and used him for Magners League games.

Munster just don't do running backs. They don't trust them. It's in the DNA.

bugler · 30-08-2007 5:21pm

That's a bizarre reference to CC there, Snickers Man.

marco_polo · 30-08-2007 5:30pm

Snickers Man wrote:

No. It's just that they've always managed to blunt it. FFS they had the New Zealand try-scoring record holder for years and used him for Magners League games.

Munster just don't do running backs. They don't trust them. It's in the DNA.

In fairness he was well past his peak and fading fast when he joined Munster and on top of this alot of injury problem afterwards. It is true that Munster backs have been relatively weak in comarison to the forwards in recent times and historically also I suppose (not knocking great servants like Helly, Horgan Payne for one second). This season however if Howlett joins, Munster will never have had a better back line since the pro era began and Kidney has have no excuse not to use it more often.

Snickers Man · 30-08-2007 6:55pm

bugler wrote:

That's a bizarre reference to CC there, Snickers Man.

what's bizarre about it? He was, in fact I think he still is, the all Blacks record try scorer. and munster used him mainly for Celtic League matches. these are facts

marco_polo wrote:

In fairness he was well past his peak and fading fast when he joined Munster

Well the other side of his "peak" was a sheer cliff face then.

marco_polo wrote:

It is true that Munster backs have been relatively weak in comarison to the forwards in recent times and historically also I suppose (not knocking great servants like Helly, Horgan Payne for one second).

Great servants indeed!! Slaves, more like, to a limited forwards-oriented 10-man game plan. Don't knock it. It's worked admirably for Munster so far. Just don't say it's something that it isn't.

marco_polo wrote:

if Howlett joins, Munster will never have had a better back line since the pro era began and Kidney has have no excuse not to use it more often.

WTF would Kidney do with a back line? Talented backs are about as much use to that guy as tits on a bull. Look at what he did when he was at Leinster: sold all the decent forwards (Cullen, Jennings, Byrne), made absolutely nothing out of the most talented backline in Europe and came close to boring O'Driscoll on to the plane to France. Remember all his (BOD's) comments at the time about "not learning anything new" at Leinster?

Until of course some decent backs coaches came over from Australia.

Kidney is the Jack Charlton of Irish rugby coaches. (Get it forward. put 'em under pressure. No fannying aboot in midfield)

Howlett, or any other pacy back for that matter, going there would be a waste of money. He's only meant as a trophy. For all the use that will be made of him he might as well cut his head off and stick it on the club house wall.

zAbbo · 30-08-2007 7:51pm

In fairness, Howlett is only going to be used in HCup, he's not registered for ML games. So there's a possibility he's going to be page a huge amount for not much rugby, 6 pool games + possible knockouts if they make it.

Teg Veece · 30-08-2007 9:06pm

Snickers Man wrote:

No. It's just that they've always managed to blunt it. FFS they had the New Zealand try-scoring record holder for years and used him for Magners League games.

I don't see what you're trying to get at. Should they not have used him in the Magners League?

Howlett will be a great signing for Munster. Heard its pretty much a done deal at this stage. 1 million euro over 4 years. Not sure if the PAG have had their say yet though.

Jilm · 31-08-2007 12:00am

It's confirmed according to a "reliable" source on MF.

The deal is supposedly worth €1 million over 4 years.

He turned down Leinster as well apparently ...might go some way to explaining Snicker Mans snippy posts

cgarvey · 31-08-2007 3:48am

zabbo wrote:

In fairness, Howlett is only going to be used in HCup, he's not registered for ML games.

Not yet, he's not.

bugler · 31-08-2007 9:04am

what's bizarre about it? He was, in fact I think he still is, the all Blacks record try scorer. and munster used him mainly for Celtic League matches. these are facts

So CC was in flying form, fit and ready, and Munster instead decided to keep him consigned to ML? For what reason? Oh, right. In case he ran wild and scored some tries!

Munster were sold a dud in Cullen, unfortunately. It may not have been obvious at the time of signing, but the guy could not keep injury free for any length of time. Between come backs and rehab, he just wasn't available. How do you put a guy who hasn't been playing rugby into the HC side when he isn't fit to do so?

Did you see him play against Llanelli in the HC semi last year? It was embarrassing to see him like that, considering what he once was.

Your synopsis of his tenure at Munster as being "Munster never used him in big games" is either a) a piss take, or b) evidence you haven't a monkeys about what happened him here.

I'd also like to say I feel very sorry for CC, he is blameless in all this, just had a terrible run of injuries and I think he showed admirable determination to come back time after time.

Macca07 · 31-08-2007 9:20am

so any development on this? and comment yet from munster?

Snickers Man · 31-08-2007 10:15am

Jilm wrote:

He turned down Leinster as well apparently ...might go some way to explaining Snicker Mans snippy posts

I hadn't heard that at all, actually. Although in Leinster's case it was probably a factor that he would struggle to get into the side, even with Hickie retiring.

And why the hell would Leinster pay good money for a quality back? It's grunt forward power they need. Badly.

So if they tried to get him at all, they probably tried to get him cheap.

Doesn't bother me in the slightest.

RuggieBear · 31-08-2007 10:30am

lets not turn this into another boring Leinster V Munster thing.

Ginger · 31-08-2007 10:42am

I hope Howlet works out..

Can someone shed light on the rumours that when they signed Cullen they took out insurance on the grounds that if he didnt play a certain number of games or was injured for a certain amount of time they would get the signing/contract amount back?

Well at least Howlett is used to Addidas shirts :P

Jilm · 31-08-2007 10:52am

Snickers Man wrote:

I hadn't heard that at all, actually.

I didn't think you had, I was only messin'.

And why the hell would Leinster pay good money for a quality back? It's grunt forward power they need. Badly.

Leinster do have Pies Le Roux.

Snickers Man · 31-08-2007 11:17am

Jilm wrote:

Leinster do have Pies Le Roux.

As in "Who ate all the Pies?"

Good. One down, seven to go.

carlowboy · 31-08-2007 11:28am

SM, how is it good? He might eat some of the smaller players! I'd be worried if I was Cillian Willis right now.

Snickers Man · 31-08-2007 12:36pm

RuggieBear wrote:

lets not turn this into another boring Leinster V Munster thing.

Ah Mr Bear. We've been expecting you.

"C'mon now lads. It's been a clean game so far. None of this nonsense. Put your handbags away or there may have to be cards.

Right?

OK. Time back on."

Peep.

EdgarAllenPoo · 31-08-2007 3:18pm

Jilm wrote:

I didn't think you had, I was only messin'.

Leinster do have Pies Le Roux.

Did Leinster sign him so he can daze the opposition with his hypnotic giggling?

Not to bring up a Leinster/Munster thing but I'm not surprised Howlett turned down Leinster, they have all the backs they need (though he probably would have replaced Dancing Denis).

It's in the best interests of Leinster and Ireland for them to concentrate on finding and blooding Irish or Irish qualified props and a fly-half because I would think Dr. Phil won't stick around for much longer now that he's qualified. A year or two at the most.

Anyway, Cheika only signs Aussies, unless he's really stuck.

zAbbo · 31-08-2007 4:18pm

Dr. Phil signed a 2 year extention to his contract last year, so he's here for the foreseeable.

Leinster have both Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald capable of stepping up to Disco's position, so there was no need for a NZ mercenary.

marco_polo · 31-08-2007 5:26pm

zabbo wrote:

Dr. Phil signed a 2 year extention to his contract last year, so he's here for the foreseeable.

Leinster have both Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald capable of stepping up to Disco's position, so there was no need for a NZ mercenary.

Thats a bit unfair it is not like Howlett is some has-been or never-was, he is still one of the best wingers in the world. Would you be calling Haymans or Jack mercenaries if they were joining Leinster?

Some of these players have been getting screwed for years by the NZ RFU who keep their wage costs artifically low by not permitting players based overseas to play for the All Blacks.

I for one have no problem with some of the best players who are still in their prime, such as Luke McAllister and Howlett, coming up to the NH and earning good money for a couple of years.

(I'll grant you Carlos Spencer and Justin Marshall though

)

nc6000 · 31-08-2007 8:23pm

Munster signing an all Black legend as he's getting on a bit, what can possibly go wrong?

madds · 31-08-2007 8:35pm

RuggieBear wrote:

they have a potentially very good young flyer. just can't think of his name

Cronin Healy? Richard Lane?

Hamo · 31-08-2007 8:56pm

Sure isn't it grand, Doughy or Dougy will be only leaping around for ye Munster monkeys in yer famed Dell Bowl, or Toyota park or whatever name ye can come up with for Thomand......

RuggieBear · 31-08-2007 10:34pm

madds wrote:

Cronin Healy? Richard Lane?

lane!:)

He was very good for ire u/21 a season or two ago. not sure if he is progressing

Jilm · 31-08-2007 10:51pm

Tis official.

Howlett Munster Bound
31 August 2007, 9:17 pm
By Trish Drinan
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)

Snickers Man · 01-09-2007 12:26pm

nc6000 wrote:

Munster signing an all Black legend as he's getting on a bit, what can possibly go wrong?

ROTFLMAO!!!!!

marco_polo · 01-09-2007 4:09pm

nc6000 wrote:

Munster signing an all Black legend as he's getting on a bit, what can possibly go wrong?

Getting on a bit? He's only a year older than me :eek:. Making me feel very old dude

Rattlehead_ie · 03-09-2007 11:12am

Think thats a great signing, he is a versatile player and easily can play both wings and full back if needed. Good signing and should be interesting times at Munster, their back line is coming together nicely.

Zzippy · 03-09-2007 11:43am

nc6000 wrote:

Munster signing an all Black legend as he's getting on a bit, what can possibly go wrong?

He's only 28 ffs, that's not old for a rugby player, especially a back. Unless he's crocked like Cullen was, and thats unlikely seeins as he's in the AB RWC squad, he's a great addition to Munster and will give them great running options. That's something Munster have really lacked the last few years and other teams have cottoned on to how to play them

LFC5Times · 03-09-2007 12:44pm

They might play him at fullback and he has played there a bit of NZ.

zAbbo · 03-09-2007 12:56pm

He loves Cabbage and Bacon, which was a deciding factor on the move.

Ginger · 03-09-2007 2:52pm

And dont forget the jumobo breakfast roll!

deduck · 04-09-2007 1:26am

what a record

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)

buck65 · 04-09-2007 12:26pm

I posted about Howlett coming to Munster on this forum 3 or 4 months ago, I'm great

Tim Robbins · 04-09-2007 12:30pm

buck65 wrote:

I posted about Howlett coming to Munster on this forum 3 or 4 months ago, I'm great

I don't this is a good move for him.
Average number of offloads in a Kiwi game at any levele is >>
Avergae number of offloads from Munster in any game.

It reminds of Simon Geoghan, great winger but rarely got a decent pass.

Howlett to Munster

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