Former Munster and All Black legend Doug Howlett has confirmed that he will be stepping away from the club in order to return to New Zealand in the Autumn.
He joins coaches and former players Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones, who announced their departures recently, by going through the clubs exit door.
Howlett has been working with Munster Rugby and the Commercial Advisory Board for the past six years since his retirement and departs with fond memories and thanks to the people that helped him.
“The privilege of playing for Munster Rugby, completing my MBA in UCC, and having the opportunity to run the province’s Commercial and Marketing programmes under the guidance of Garrett Fitzgerald, and the Commercial Board’s Niall FitzGerald and Patrick Coveney, have all been incredible experiences. It has been an extraordinary 11 years living in Ireland and I will always treasure my time in this special and unique club, and in Irish sport, academia and business,” he said.
Howlett made a total of 114 appearances for the men in red, winning a Heineken Cup, and two Celtic Leagues before captaining the side throughout the 2012/13 season.
Munster Rugby’s acting CEO Philip Quinn confirmed that they were aware that as Howlett progressed in the workplace that he would likely return back to New Zealand.
“With Doug excelling in a senior management role we were always informed of his future plans to return to New Zealand. He has been a great colleague and addition to the organisation, overseeing our most successful commercial year of the past decade. I would like to thank Doug, and wish him and his family, all the best as they return to New Zealand,” he said.
While Chairman of the Munster Rugby Commercial Advisory Board, Patrick Coveney backed up Quinn’s thanks for Howlett’s contribution to the club.
“Doug showed the same level of professionalism, dedication, commitment and drive in the Board room as he always did on the pitch. We will miss him but are hugely appreciative for Doug’s contribution to the strategic development of Munster Rugby which will continue to benefit the organisation in the years ahead,” he said.
Howlett returns to New Zealand, where he spent time with Super Rugby sides the Highlanders, the Hurricanes and the Blues before his move to Ireland as well as holding the record of being the All Blacks leading try scorer.
