Congratulations Douglas Howlett on 100 caps

[rathbaner]

Can't let this pass without a mention.

It's arguable that he won us the HEC for the SECOND time.
His tackle and turnover on his debut away to Clermont which set up Mafi's try for the losing bonus point. Without that we may not have got out of that group. It was the critical moment in that campaign.

Thanks

Howlett Hits A Hundred
5 October 2012, 12:16 pm
By Pat Geraghty
Doug Howlett will add another milestone to a remarkable career when he wins his 100th competitive cap for Munster in the RaboDirect PRO12 clash with Leinster.



The fact that he will do so as captain of the side reflects the esteem in which he is held by his Munster peers. When he was elected squad skipper at the start of this season he became only the second overseas player (Jim Williams the other) and the first back in the professional era given that role. A model of consistency since making his debut against Clermont Auvergne in January 2008, he is the leading try scorer (33), with the one against Treviso in early September, making him Munster all-time record try scorer, in Celtic League/Heineken Cup rugby, ahead of current Forwards coach Anthony Foley.
Speaking on his way to Dublin today Howlett said. "It's a great honour to have reached the 100 cap mark and I'm delighted to be up there with the others who achieved the same. I think it reflects really on how much my family and I have been made welcome and are enjoying our time here in Munster. It's also a reflection on the excellent management and care of players by the Munster Medical and S&C staff and I'd like to acknowledge that fact."

[East Terrace]

Very nice sentiment, but didn't he arrive for the 2008 campaign?? Gwan Dougie!!!!!! Legend!!!

[inglorious]

Congrats to Dougie and it was 2008.

[MunsterMight]

Congratulations to Dougie Howlett. When he arrived to our country in 2008 he had likely heard of Munster rugby and was acutely aware of our famous history, of our passionate fans and of our entire philosophy. However I don't think anyone expected him to adapt so quickly to the Munster culture. These days its impossible to imagine Munster rugby without him.

[BOK]

Congratulations Dougie. You have been the model of consistency and professionalism since you arrived. You have taken Munster to your heart and as a result we all took you into ours. You are now and always will be a Munster man of the highest caliber. Go Raibh Míle Maith Agat.

[Late try]

A bit special.

[deltared]

Pure Class!

[B.A.]

Definite lidgindry status. A class act on and off the pitch.

[Valencia]

Serious man love for Doooooouuug

[Dumptruck]

Serious man love for Doooooouuug

This fella did also...

[spanish red]

That such a gentleman, hugely talented rugby payer and internationally recoginsed all time great not only chose Munster as his career-finishing home, but by his example and dedication has won the hearts of MR fans so completely reflects kudos on both himself and Munster Rugby. Pity we didn't always provide the necessary back-up to enable him show his talents to their best. I only hope he'll stay with us to pass on his experience to our very promising youngsters.

[Valencia]

Gotta miss the Laz, what a legend

[Stringer9]

He is a class act, an outstanding player, and a great leader. He's an outstanding player and a complete legend.

In a way it seems like just yesterday when he came, I remember thinking that he wouldn't last, thankfully I was very wrong. He just seemed like such an outsider, an AB, one of them and would never be one of us, but he dived head first in and hasn't looked back since.

I couldn't see him in Munster back them, now I couldn't see Munster without him. It'll be a very sad day when he leaves. Not only did the fans completely fall in love with him, it very much so seems to be very mutual.

"I look back on that day at the Millennium Stadium (Munster’s victory over Toulouse in the 2008 Heineken Cup final) as the highlight of my career because, although being capped by New Zealand and playing for the All Blacks was fantastic, this was special."

LEGEND!!!!

[FORWARD....]

G'wan Dougie. That's incredible really. 100 caps in 4 years. And he was out for the best part of a season. Liggiiinnnndd.
Oh and show Isa how its done tomorrow (And then grow the feckin hair back-)

Edit: love the story about his arrival into Munster and either Quinnie or Fla shouted at him "Step away from the cars" as he made his way through the carpark at training.

[Sketchy]

Favourite NIQ ever... period!

[mr chips]

G'wan Dougie. That's incredible really. 100 caps in 4 years. And he was out for the best part of a season. Liggiiinnnndd.
Oh and show Isa how its done tomorrow (And then grow the feckin hair back-)

Edit: love the story about his arrival into Munster and either Quinnie or Fla shouted at him "Step away from the cars"

Think he got pulled for that a couple of different times - one time by Quinny putting on his best Garda voice and "Step away from the vehhicle!" and the other by Axel taking him to one side after his first training session to "show him something important". Dougie follows him, expecting to be shown something precious and important to the heritage of Munster Rugby. Axel stops and says "This here is my car. Keep the fup away from it."

(I've paraphrased, but you get the idea!)

[Waterfordlad]

Congratulations Douglas. A true rugby genius

[Thomond78]

It's an over-used word.

But he is a true, unquestionable LEGEND. And that's the long and the short of it.

[MunsterBakery]

Fair play to him he's a hero and really bought in to Munster heritage so much as Cork are convinced he's 1 of there own which is recognition in itself
Didnt realise to he is our record try scorer

[No Bother]

I wouldn't bat an eyelid if I saw him playing half forward for Cork in an All Ireland final , one of our Munster own and a fantastic athlete .

[daveyreidy]

Great achievement for Dougie, an absolute gent as has been said on and off the field. Met him after some game a few years ago and was chatting to him about his "Ice Ice Baby" rendition in Cardiff Airport in '08. He said he was so disappointed that it was put on Youtube. He said he had meant it to be for the fans who were there and it was meant to be special. Wow!

They could play it instead of the Angelus for all I care, the man is a legend!

By the way could we edit the original post to state that it was '08 when he debuted and not '06?

[sparks]

Has to be my favourite Munster player - a true munster LIGIND

[cornerboy]

Congrats Dougie....great man

[Angus Axe]

Delighted for him, 100 caps and captain for the year just shows the respect he has gained in a short time at Munster. I hope the likes of Zebo and LOD are learning from him big time

[gavindillon]

Congratulations to Doug Howlett, but if there is one stain on the man, its his new haircut. That afro was special, I'm convinced it cut wind resistance, despite all the laws of physics.

I love the gentlemanly way he expressed his appreciation for te people of Munster for making his family feel at home AND the medical staff etc that made him feel part of the group even when his achilles was gone!

[TIMMAY!]

Congrats... 2008 please!!

[rathbaner]

beautiful lies. 2008 of course, I've sobered up now. Mods please do your thing.

[bankman]

What a great servent to Munster, And a great guy off the field also.

[sledger2003]

What they said ! ... brilliant.

[Valencia]

Lots of times fellas celebrating this that or the other, the result fecks up the celebrations. This evening one that I hope young Doug will really enjoy