Doug Howlett

Last updated

Doug Howlett
Doug Howlett at Web Summit, Dublin, Ireland.jpg
Howlett in Dublin, Ireland, 2015
Full nameDouglas Charles Howlett
Date of birth (1978-09-21) 21 September 1978 (age 45)
Place of birth Auckland, New Zealand
Height185 cm (6 ft 1 in)
Weight93 kg (205 lb; 14 st 9 lb)
School Auckland Grammar School
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing, Fullback
Senior career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
1996–2007 Auckland 55 (245)
1997 Highlanders 2 (15)
1998 Hurricanes 5 (5)
1999–2007 Blues 97 (275)
2008–2013 Munster 112 (175)
Correct as of 22 June 2019
International career
YearsTeamApps(Points)
1997–1999 New Zealand U21 13 (70)
2000–2007 New Zealand 63 (245)
Correct as of 22 June 2019

Douglas Charles Howlett (born 21 September 1978) is a retired New Zealand professional rugby union player. He was primarily a wing, but he also sometimes played as a fullback.

Contents

He played for Auckland, and the Highlanders, Hurricanes and Blues in Super Rugby. He finished his career with Munster in Ireland.

With 49 tries in 62 tests, Howlett is currently the seventh-highest try scorer in rugby union history and the top try scorer for New Zealand.

Early life

Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Howlett attended May Road School and Mt Roskill Intermediate School. Howlett is of Tongan descent, with roots in the small coastal village of Kolonga.[ citation needed ] He started playing rugby at Auckland Grammar School, [1] where he was also a star sprinter, captain of athletics and, during his final year in 1996, Head Prefect. He calls upon his speed as a sprinter (he once clocked a personal best 10.94 seconds for the 100 metres in an under 20 athletics championship in 1998) to great effect in his rugby career.[ citation needed ]

Playing career

Howlett made his first-class debut at the age of 18 for Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup. He has played with three Super Rugby teams, briefly with the Otago Highlanders and Wellington Hurricanes and, for the majority of his career in his home city, the Auckland Blues. It was with his hometown Blues that he established himself as one of the finest back players in the world,[ citation needed ] winning a Super 12 title in 2003. Throughout his domestic career, he remained affiliated with Auckland in the Air New Zealand Cup, with more than 50 appearances for the union.

Barbarians

In May 2009, Howlett was named in the Barbarians squad to play England and Australia. [2]

Munster

On 30 August 2007, Howlett signed for Munster, following in the footsteps of another All Black great, Christian Cullen. Howlett joined Munster at the start of 2008. He made his debut for Munster in the Heineken Cup against ASM Clermont Auvergne, notably starting the movement for Lifeimi Mafi's try. His second match came against London Wasps where he notably dived to save the ball in the build-up to Denis Leamy's try. He scored his first Munster try against Ulster on 22 March 2008.

On 24 May 2008, Howlett was part of the Munster team that beat Toulouse 16–13 to win the 2007–08 Heineken Cup. [3] Howlett had won his first cup with Munster only five and a half months into his career in the Northern Hemisphere. Howlett himself scored a try in the final only for it to be disallowed due to a forward pass from Rua Tipoki.

Howlett during a match against Northampton Saints, April 2010 Doug Howlett 2010 (cropped).jpg
Howlett during a match against Northampton Saints, April 2010

Howlett joins Rod Kafer and Brad Thorn in having won major rugby tournaments in both the southern and northern hemispheres, the Super 14 and Heineken Cup respectively. He enjoyed his success with the Auckland Blues in the 2003 Super 12 and Munster in 2008. With Munster winning the Magners League title for the 08–09 season, Howlett held both a Heineken Cup and Magners League medal in the space of just two seasons with Munster. On 26 February 2010 it was announced Howlett had signed a contract to stay on at Munster until the end of the 2010–11 season, with the option for a further year. [4] That option was confirmed by Munster in February 2011, and he began the 2011/2012. [5] [6] But in December 2011, Howlett picked up an Achilles tendon injury in a Pro 12 game against Ospreys which ruled him out for the rest of the season. [7] [8]

On 24 February 2012, Munster announced that Howlett had extended his contract until the end of the 2012–13 season. [9] On 24 August 2012, it was announced that Howlett would take over from Paul O'Connell as the Munster squad captain for the 2012–13 season. [10] He underwent successful knee surgery in late January 2013, and returned to action after the surgery on 2 March 2013. On 14 May 2013, it was confirmed that Howlett, after receiving medical advice, would retire from rugby due to a shoulder injury he sustained playing against Glasgow Warriors in March 2013. [11] [12] [13] [14]

Howlett returned to the province as a corporate ambassador in December 2013. [15] He went on to become Munster's head of commercial and marketing, before returning to New Zealand in the autumn of 2019. [16]

International

Howlett debuted for the All Blacks on 16 June 2000. In his career, he scored on average 4 points per game (155 from his first 38). He was also a first choice winger in the 2003 World Cup.

Howlett scored 49 tries for the All Blacks, a team record. [17] His hat-trick against Italy on 8 September 2007, at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, brought him level with the record of Christian Cullen, the All Blacks' previous leading try scorer and then his try in the 15th minute against Scotland on 23 September gave him the record.

He was selected for the Rugby World Cup squad ahead of Canterbury and Tasman player Rico Gear; however, he was expected to play the first three rounds of the 2007 Air New Zealand Cup. He scored a hat trick in Auckland's victory over Counties Manukau in the first round, and on 11 August against Waikato he scored two, bringing his try total for Auckland to 50. Howlett was known as a winger with a high work rate and strong defensive tackling ability.

Personal

Howlett is the brother of former Tongan rugby league international Phil Howlett. [18]

On 22 February 2007 Howlett launched "The Doug Howlett Outreach Foundation" to support New Zealand children between the ages of 8 and 14 who demonstrated academic and sporting ability, initially in the codes of rugby union, rugby league, and netball. It was intended to assist with school and sports fees and sporting equipment. Scholarships and equipment were distributed in 2007 and 2008. The Foundation website is now offline and it appears defunct.

In May 2019, Howlett announced his decision to leave his role as Munster Rugby's Head of Commercial and Marketing after 6 years to return to New Zealand with his family. [19]

Controversies

Howlett was arrested on 9 October 2007 outside Heathrow Airport's Hilton Hotel on suspicion of criminal damage to two cars. [20] This followed the All Blacks' World Cup loss in Cardiff to France a few days earlier, a game in which Howlett did not play. Howlett subsequently issued an apology through the media. [21]

He was again arrested on 23 December 2010 on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly after his team's Christmas party in Kilkenny city. [22]

Honours

Blues

Auckland

Munster

New Zealand

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ronan O'Gara</span> Irish rugby union coach and former player

Ronan John Ross O'Gara is an Irish former rugby union player and current coach. O'Gara played as a fly-half and is Ireland's second most-capped player and second highest points scorer. He is currently head coach of La Rochelle in the French Top 14.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Donncha O'Callaghan</span> Rugby player

Donncha O'Callaghan is an Irish retired rugby union player. He spent most of his career with his home province Munster, spending 17 seasons with the province and winning five major trophies, before finishing his career with Worcester Warriors in the English Premiership. Internationally, O'Callaghan represented Ireland and was part of the team that won the Six Nations grand slam in 2009. He also toured with the British & Irish Lions in 2005 and 2009, winning 4 caps, and was invited the play for the Barbarians twice. Throughout his career, O'Callaghan played primarily as a lock, though he occasionally provided cover at blindside flanker.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Paul O'Connell</span> Irish rugby union coach and former player

Paul Jeremiah O'Connell is an Irish former rugby union player and coach. When he stopped playing, he was Ireland's third most-capped player (108) and the eighteenth most-capped international player in rugby union history. During his career, O'Connell captained Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions. He is now the forwards coach for the Ireland national men's team.

David Peter Wallace is an Irish retired rugby union player, who played for Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions. He normally played as an openside flanker, but could also play blindside flanker and number 8.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anthony Foley</span> Rugby player

Anthony Gerard Foley was an Irish rugby union player and head coach of Munster. He was attached to the same squad during his professional playing career. He was a member of the Munster team that won the 2002–03 Celtic League and was the winning captain during their 2005–06 Heineken Cup success. Foley played for Ireland from 1995 until 2005 and captained the squad on three occasions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Casey Laulala</span> Rugby player

Casey Daniel Eti Laulala is a Samoan-born New Zealand former rugby union player.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tomás O'Leary</span> Rugby player

Tomás O'Leary is an Irish former rugby union player who played as a scrum-half. O'Leary played most of his career in the United Rugby Championship with Munster, where he was part of the team that won the Heineken Cup in 2006 and again in 2008. He also played in the English Premiership with London Irish, and the Top 14 with Montpellier. Internationally, he represented Ireland, where he was a member of the team that won the 2009 Six Nations Championship and Grand Slam. Also in 2009, he was selected for the British & Irish Lions, though injury prevented him from touring with the squad. O'Leary retired from professional rugby in July 2017.

John Kelly is a retired Irish rugby union footballer. He played for Munster in the Celtic League and the Heineken Cup, and played for Cork Constitution in the All Ireland League (AIL).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lifeimi Mafi</span> Rugby player

Lifeimi Mafi is a Tongan-born, New Zealand former rugby union player.

Brendon James Botha, better known as BJ Botha is a South African former rugby union player. He played as a prop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Will Chambers</span> Australia international rugby league & union footballer

William Chambers is an Australian rugby league and union footballer who last played for the LA Giltinis in Major League Rugby (MLR) in the United States. After winning two titles with the Melbourne Storm, he retired from Australia's NRL in 2021.

James Downey is a former Irish rugby union player. He played as a centre. In May 2016, Downey announced his retirement from rugby.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Damien Varley</span> Rugby player

Damien Varley is a former Irish rugby union player who represented Munster and Ireland. He played as a hooker. Varley was forced to retire from rugby in February 2015, due to a foot injury.

Wian du Preez is a South African rugby union player, currently playing in France for Lyon. He plays as a prop, primarily at loosehead.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gerhard van den Heever</span> Rugby player

Gerhard Jacobus van den Heever is a South African-born Japanese rugby union player for the Sunwolves in Super Rugby and Kubota Spears in the Top League. His regular playing position is as a wing.

Scott Deasy is an Irish rugby union player. He plays at fly-half, centre and fullback.

Danny Barnes is a New Zealand-born, Irish rugby union player. He can play either centre or wing.

Shaun Payne is a South African-born, Irish-qualified retired rugby union player. He qualified to play for Ireland because his grandmother is from Easkey, County Sligo.

Francis Saili is a New Zealand rugby union player, currently playing for French club Racing 92. He plays primarily as a centre, though he can also play wing. He is the younger brother of Blues loose forward Peter Saili.

The 2013–14 Munster Rugby season was Munster's thirteenth season competing in the Pro12 alongside which they also competed in the Heineken Cup for the nineteenth time. It was Rob Penney's second and final season as head coach.

References

  1. ↑ "Rugby World Cup: All Blacks keep rolling off the Auckland Grammar production line", 30 October 2015.
  2. ↑ "D'Arcy And Murphy Named In Barbarians Squad". irishrugby. 12 May 2009. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2021.
  3. ↑ O'Sullivan, John. "Howlett's career highlight". The Irish Times.
  4. ↑ Geraghty, Pat (26 February 2010). "Munster Rugby: News : Howlett Staying On". Munsterrugby.ie. Archived from the original on 19 November 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2011.
  5. ↑ The Editor (7 February 2011). "Munster Rugby: News : Youngsters Weigh in Behind Munster". Munsterrugby.ie. Archived from the original on 19 November 2011. Retrieved 17 August 2011.{{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
  6. ↑ "Howlett agrees new deal with Munster". The Irish Times. 7 February 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
  7. ↑ Farrelly, Hugh (7 December 2011). "Achilles injury rules Doug Howlett out for the season". Irish Independent. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
  8. ↑ "Howlett ankle injury blow for Munster". RTÉ Sport. 7 December 2011. Archived from the original on 8 December 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
  9. ↑ "Howlett Extends Contract". munsterrugby.ie. 24 February 2012. Archived from the original on 16 December 2013. Retrieved 24 February 2012.
  10. ↑ "Doug Howlett Named Squad Captain". munsterrugby.ie. 24 August 2012. Archived from the original on 27 August 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  11. ↑ "Howlett calls time on playing career". Irish Independent. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
  12. ↑ "Munster and former New Zealand wing Doug Howlett Howlett retires". BBC Sport. 14 May 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
  13. ↑ "Injury forces Munster's Doug Howlett to retire". RTÉ Sport. 14 May 2013. Archived from the original on 16 December 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
  14. ↑ "Injury Forces Howlett To Retire". munsterrugby.ie. 14 May 2013. Archived from the original on 10 June 2013. Retrieved 14 May 2013.
  15. ↑ "Corporate Role For Howlett". Munster Rugby. 7 December 2013. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
  16. ↑ "Doug Howlett To Return To New Zealand". Munster Rugby. 20 May 2019. Retrieved 21 May 2019.
  17. ↑ "Howlett & Munster wary of Holah's Ospreys". superxv.com. 7 December 2010. Archived from the original on 25 May 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2011.
  18. ↑ Jessup, Peter (20 October 1999). "Rugby League: Tongans not planning rough stuff". The New Zealand Herald . Retrieved 29 September 2011.
  19. ↑ "Doug Howlett's 11-year association with Munster comes to an end".
  20. ↑ "All Blacks rugby star arrested". CNN. 10 October 2007. Retrieved 13 November 2008.
  21. ↑ "Howlett apologises after arrest". RTÉ Sport. 10 October 2007. Archived from the original on 5 May 2008. Retrieved 7 December 2011.
  22. ↑ "Howlett in 'drunk and disorderly' arrest after Munster team party". Independent.ie. Independent News and Media. 23 December 2010. Archived from the original on 4 August 2012.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.