An All Black and Munster legend, Doug Howlett today announced his retirement from rugby. Here’s a few of our favourite Dougie memories…
The leading try scorer for the All Blacks, and a fixture at Thomond Park for the last five years, Doug Howlett is a dual hemisphere hero.
At 34, the great man announced his retirement today following an injury sustained in a Rabo game back in March against Glasgow. At the time of the injury, Howlett was in discussions to continue with the province but on medical advice he has decided to hang up his boots.
So, on a sad day for New Zealand and Irish rugby, here’s some of his best moments.
Howlett scores for Otago in 1997
Look how young he looks in this clip…
Burning Jason Robinson for a try v England in 2002
You know that when a player leaves Jason Robinson for dead, then that does the term “pacey” a disservice. This was an English side coming into its peak and this try from Howlett caps some kamikaze rugby. Just a brilliant finish.
Doug Howlett pays back Earl Rose in kind, 2007
Dougie was none too pleased with Lions player Earl Rose during a Super 14 encounter. This video shows where the antagonising began, and more importantly getting payback (legally of course) with a couple of crunching hits.
Munster Haka v New Zealand, 2008
When the All Blacks toured Ireland in 2008, a fixture was arranged with Munster and it was a special moment in Thomond Park when Howlett, along with his Kiwi comrades, led a haka in front of his fellow countrymen. Munster lost gallantly in a very close encounter, but it was a fitting moment in the pre-match ceremonies.
Optilase changed his life you know
Not only is he a sporting legend, a future career may beckon on the big stage if this Oscar winning performance is anything to go by. Did someone say cringe??
He never lost it – big hit on Schalk Brits, 2012
He may have scored tries for fun, but he was also a defensive lynchpin for any team he graced. This season was no different before injury struck, as this ferocious hit on Schalk Brits during the Heineken Cup encounter with Saracens proved. Shuddering
Final act in rugby just had to be scoring try v Glasgow
Of course we weren’t to know it then, but the New Zealanders last act on a rugby pitch was to score a try. Munster were well and truly beaten by Glasgow on the night, but at least Howlett got to do what he has done so well all his career, tormenting defences and scoring point.
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