MUNSTER HAVE CONFIRMED that Doug Howlett will captain the side for the upcoming season, replacing Paul O’Connell in the role.
The 33-year-old Howlett becomes only the second overseas player to captain the province, and is also the first back to lead the squad in the professional era.
Howlett, a former All Black, has played 94 competitive matches for Munster since making his debut against Clermont Auvergne in January 2008, and is the squad’s leading try scorer with 32.
O’Connell, captain since 2006/2007, said: “I’ve been squad captain for six seasons and just felt it was time to step back and let someone else assume the role.
“I thought the timing was right with the new coaching structure and I think we’re unbelievably fortunate to have a player of Doug’s calibre to step in. He brings a wealth of experience and an exemplary work ethic to the job that can only benefit Munster Rugby in the season ahead.”
Howlett himself described the honour as one of “the biggest of my career.”
“I know I’ve got big boots to fill following Paul, Axel, Mick Galwey and Jim Williams. And I’m also aware of the number of leaders in this squad, people well capable of doing this job and that makes my appointment all the more worthy and humbling.”
C’mon Leinster, let’s put this bogey team behind us and try for an all irish quarter final!
Poor delusional ospreys, they need to raise their game 5 levels just to avoid being killed in the collision areas, too many of them will be thinking of wealthy courtiers abroad to bother showing up against an impressive Leinster set up
Well… It hasn’t stopped them kickin our asses in previous seasons!
Not gona be easy(it never is against The Ospreys) but confident we will get the result required to get a last 8 spot. Both teams have good strong teams named so will be a good game as always when these two teams take the field.
get on leinster too win with bonus pts. ospreys have nothing too play for but leinster have all too play for. prob have 3 tries by h/t. and 3 more by full.
Phil are you ok?
never better just pissed that no matter what happens this weekend the frenchies will all get home Q/F’s. ye will get 5 pts and we will get 4 i think. and you n me agree that sean cronin is m..k but that strauss is some push on too ireland/leinster.
I never thought I’d live to see the day that Philip wrote a comment without abusing Leinster. Great to see, best of luck to all 4 provinces this weekend.
What is it four or five Lions in the pack. Hopefully Leinster will win but with Poite on the whistle anything could happen
All AB’s motto, ” your never a failure until you start blaming someone else”.