Howlett Staying On

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

http://munsterrugby.ie/news/7217.php

Doug Howlett will remain with Munster for the coming season at least. It was confirmed this afternoon that 31 year old Howlett who won his 49th competitive Munster cap last weekend against Edinburgh has agreed terms that include an option for a further season.

"Obviously I'm delighted to be remaining on here with Munster." Howlett said. " Professionally it's been a good move for me and on the personal side my family are enjoying our time here and are very happy to remain for the immediate future. "With the contract side of things now settled I'm looking forward to what I believe will be a very exciting second part of the season and hoping to play my part in helping Munster achieve success on the field."

Munster coach Tony McGahan expressed his satisfaction when he said, " I'm delighted we're retaining the services of a player of Doug's proven calibre.

"Doug's contribution to the squad and management on and off the field has been central to our success since he arrived here two years ago.

"Next season is going to be particularly challenging given it's a World Cup season. With our commitment to the international squad we would expect to be introducing more and more of our emerging young players. So it will be very advantageous to have a player of his quality and experience to call on.

" Its great news for Munster Rugby."

Howlett arrived in Cork International Airport on December 2007 and just two weeks later made his debut in the Heineken Cup game against ASM Clermont Auvergne in the Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin. He scored the first of his 12 tries to date, in the 42-6 win over Ulster in Musgrave Park, his first Heineken Cup try in the memorable win over Gloucester in Kingsholm and capped a great first (half) season by helping Munster to victory in the Heineken Cup.

A model of consistency throughout his time with Munster, in his first full season 2008/2009, he played in 22 of Munster's 25 competitive games and this term has played in 13 of Munster's 17 games, injury in the Heineken Cup game against Treviso ruling him out of two games.[/b]

Good news for Munster since he's played very well for them since he signed a couple of years ago........

....but 49 games and 12 tries; is that worth over 300k per year (his reported wages)? I'd imagine they could sign Fionn Carr (try scoring machine for a shitty team) and Riki Flutey (who may still arrive) for roughly the same wages as Howlett is earning.

 

[feicarsinn]

Fionn Carr has the potential to be better than Howlett ever was.

 

[munstermuffin]

Howlett has been word-class and i delighted he is staying as his experience is vital too.

As for his tries that is 100% down to Munster's style of play in my opinion that most tries come from Centre's or the pack and we don't spread it as much as Leinster etc.

 

[feicarsinn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Feb 26 2010, 05:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Howlett has been word-class and i delighted he is staying as his experience is vital too.

As for his tries that is 100% down to Munster's style of play in my opinion that most tries come from Centre's or the pack and we don't spread it as much as Leinster etc.[/b]

Beacuse of your limited fly half and his inability to pass a ball.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Feb 26 2010, 06:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Feb 26 2010, 05:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Howlett has been word-class and i delighted he is staying as his experience is vital too.

As for his tries that is 100% down to Munster's style of play in my opinion that most tries come from Centre's or the pack and we don't spread it as much as Leinster etc.[/b]

Beacuse of your limited fly half and his inability to pass a ball.
[/b][/quote]
ROG can pass that is 1 of few things he very good at. B)

But Munster don't spray it because they have always depended on pack until McGahan became head-coach.
And while we are improving it still a progression but we'll have great competition next year (Howlett, Murphy, Dowling, Hurley, Earls) and what i like is they're all relatively young excluding Howlett.

 

[snoopy snoopy dog dog]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Feb 26 2010, 05:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Howlett has been word-class and i delighted he is staying as his experience is vital too.

As for his tries that is 100% down to Munster's style of play in my opinion that most tries come from Centre's or the pack and we don't spread it as much as Leinster etc.[/b]

From Munster's website:
Lifeimi Mafi - 9 tries in 83 competitive games
Jean De Villiers - 5 tries in 14 games
Keith Earls - 13 tries in 37 games (quite a few tries came when he was at 15)
Tom Gleeson - 0 tries in 5 games
Barry Murphy 10 tries in 66 competitive games (he scored a hat trick in a friendly)

To be fair, their back row have a bucketload of tries.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

But Munster don't spray it because they have always depended on pack until McGahan became head-coach.
And while we are improving it still a progression but we'll have great competition next year (Howlett, Murphy, Dowling, Hurley, Earls) and what i like is they're all relatively young excluding Howlett.[/b]

Spot on. McGahan is broadening Munster's options among the backs.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (snoopy snoopy dog dog @ Feb 26 2010, 06:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Feb 26 2010, 05:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Howlett has been word-class and i delighted he is staying as his experience is vital too.

As for his tries that is 100% down to Munster's style of play in my opinion that most tries come from Centre's or the pack and we don't spread it as much as Leinster etc.[/b]

From Munster's website:
Lifeimi Mafi - 9 tries in 83 competitive games
Jean De Villiers - 5 tries in 14 games
Keith Earls - 13 tries in 37 games (quite a few tries came when he was at 15)
Tom Gleeson - 0 tries in 5 games
Barry Murphy 10 tries in 66 competitive games (he scored a hat trick in a friendly)

To be fair, their back row have a bucketload of tries.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div>

But Munster don't spray it because they have always depended on pack until McGahan became head-coach.
And while we are improving it still a progression but we'll have great competition next year (Howlett, Murphy, Dowling, Hurley, Earls) and what i like is they're all relatively young excluding Howlett.[/b]

Spot on. McGahan is broadening Munster's options among the backs.
[/b][/quote]
yeah but if you look among them no player has major numbers like Howletts numbers are good and I know the backs have plenty but alot of them came from tight situations and the pop pass.

 

[gingergenius]

Any player like Howlett is a great asset to Munster. I would say though - in the long term, is it good for Irish rugby (with ROG, Wallace BOD, Horgan, and Dempsey getting on) to have such a large number of foreign backs in their 3 competitive teams?

The only decent Irish outside back at Munster is Earls. Which means they need to bring more through, because atm they're relying on Leinster and a bit on Ulster to supplement the squad.

 

[feicarsinn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gingergenius @ Feb 26 2010, 07:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Any player like Howlett is a great asset to Munster. I would say though - in the long term, is it good for Irish rugby (with ROG, Wallace BOD, Horgan, and Dempsey getting on) to have such a large number of foreign backs in their 3 competitive teams?

The only decent Irish outside back at Munster is Earls. Which means they need to bring more through, because atm they're relying on Leinster and a bit on Ulster to supplement the squad.[/b]

Yeah, but Munster haven't produced a great back since Rob Henderson so it's nothing new. As is it just so happens that Leinster and Ulster are producing a brilliant group of young backs with the likes of the two Kearneys, Cave, Whittten, Fitzgerald, McFadden, etc.

 

[King_D'Arcy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (gingergenius @ Feb 26 2010, 07:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Any player like Howlett is a great asset to Munster. I would say though - in the long term, is it good for Irish rugby (with ROG, Wallace BOD, Horgan, and Dempsey getting on) to have such a large number of foreign backs in their 3 competitive teams?

The only decent Irish outside back at Munster is Earls. Which means they need to bring more through, because atm they're relying on Leinster and a bit on Ulster to supplement the squad.[/b]

Leinster and Ulster really are bringing through enough quality backs for Ireland to be alright for the moment though I think

 

[munstermuffin]

Felix Jones, Keith Earls, Denis Hurley, Johne Murphy, Ian Dowling, Tom Gleeson & Duncan Williams are all young enough and good enough to play fr Ireland at some stage.
That is a nice amount of young talent.
Like obviously it's not same as Leinster but it something to build on.

 

[feicarsinn]

Felix Jones, Denis Hurely, Ian Dowling and Johnre Murphy aren't from Munster


Edit: Oh and they're not all good enough to play for Ireland.

 

[munster]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Feb 26 2010, 08:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Felix Jones, Denis Hurely, Ian Dowling and Johnre Murphy aren't from Munster


Edit: Oh and they're not all good enough to play for Ireland.[/b]

Hurley went to school in Munchins so thats like saying Heaslips isnt from Ireland???

 

[feicarsinn]

Israeli born and bred. An Irish Flutey if you will.

 

[Nickdnz]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Feb 27 2010, 05:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Fionn Carr has the potential to be better than Howlett ever was.[/b]

Not to sound like a prat, but considering Howlett is considered to be one of the greatest wings of all time, top international try scorer for New Zealand, S14 and fifth highest try scorer overall, I think making a claim like that is a little far fetched. I mean I'm not Howlett's greatest fan by anymeans, but boosting up a guy who's new to be better then an all time great seems a bit presumptious.

 

[feicarsinn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Nickdnz @ Feb 26 2010, 11:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Feb 27 2010, 05:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fionn Carr has the potential to be better than Howlett ever was.[/b]

Not to sound like a prat, but considering Howlett is considered to be one of the greatest wings of all time, top international try scorer for New Zealand, S14 and fifth highest try scorer overall, I think making a claim like that is a little far fetched. I mean I'm not Howlett's greatest fan by anymeans, but boosting up a guy who's new to be better then an all time great seems a bit presumptious.
[/b][/quote]




Edit:

Sorry Nick, but that one was a bit too easy.

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Feb 26 2010, 08:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

Felix Jones, Denis Hurely, Ian Dowling and Johnre Murphy aren't from Munster


Edit: Oh and they're not all good enough to play for Ireland.[/b]

I was basing it on the question of what will happen with Munster back's and seen as they all signed to Munster :blink: Never said they came from Munster.
And considering Johne Murphy & Felix Jones will eventually be capped and Hurley & Dowling are capped well enough said :unsure:

And have to agree with Nick that Howlett has proved his world-clas against world-class opposition.
But Carr has scored plenty of tries against poor or under-strength teams.
I not saying Carr a bad player but can't be compared until a) he's played at top-level and B) match's and overtakes Doug Howlett's achievments.

 

[feicarsinn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Feb 27 2010, 12:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Feb 26 2010, 08:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Felix Jones, Denis Hurely, Ian Dowling and Johnre Murphy aren't from Munster


Edit: Oh and they're not all good enough to play for Ireland.[/b]

I was basing it on the question of what will happen with Munster back's and seen as they all signed to Munster :blink: Never said they came from Munster.
And considering Johne Murphy & Felix Jones will eventually be capped and Hurley & Dowling are capped well enough said :unsure:

And have to agree with Nick that Howlett has proved his world-clas against world-class opposition.
But Carr has scored plenty of tries against poor or under-strength teams.
I not saying Carr a bad player but can't be compared until a) he's played at top-level and B) match's and overtakes Doug Howlett's achievments.
[/b][/quote]
Well no one asked that question. Do try to be clearer. It's just speculation to say that Murphy and Jones will be capped. They face huge competition for the next few years for back 3 positions ie. Kearney(s), Fitzgerald, Bowe, Carr, Earls, Trimble, Hurley and the kids coming up underneath them.



Also did no one see the popcorn? Guys that means I wasn't being serious. Jeez...

 

[munstermuffin]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Feb 27 2010, 12:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Feb 27 2010, 12:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Feb 26 2010, 08:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Felix Jones, Denis Hurely, Ian Dowling and Johnre Murphy aren't from Munster


Edit: Oh and they're not all good enough to play for Ireland.[/b]

I was basing it on the question of what will happen with Munster back's and seen as they all signed to Munster :blink: Never said they came from Munster.
And considering Johne Murphy & Felix Jones will eventually be capped and Hurley & Dowling are capped well enough said :unsure:

And have to agree with Nick that Howlett has proved his world-clas against world-class opposition.
But Carr has scored plenty of tries against poor or under-strength teams.
I not saying Carr a bad player but can't be compared until a) he's played at top-level and B) match's and overtakes Doug Howlett's achievments.
[/b][/quote]
Well no one asked that question. Do try to be clearer. It's just speculation to say that Murphy and Jones will be capped. They face huge competition for the next few years for back 3 positions ie. Kearney(s), Fitzgerald, Bowe, Carr, Earls, Trimble, Hurley and the kids coming up underneath them.



Also did no one see the popcorn? Guys that means I wasn't being serious. Jeez...
[/b][/quote]
Yeah, but Munster haven't produced a great back since Rob Henderson so it's nothing new. As is it just so happens that Leinster and Ulster are producing a brilliant group of young backs with the likes of the two Kearneys, Cave, Whittten, Fitzgerald, McFadden, etc.

But Munster didn't produce Hendo either ... And my bad thought you meant create a backline.

As for 2 boys they'll be capped be it breaking in to 1st team or playing the USA, Fiji Canada or whoever.

When BOD goes Earls will inherit 13 jersey and D'Arcy I hope is replaced by Luke Fitz. I think he can be a super 12 and has perfect build for it.

 

[feicarsinn]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Feb 27 2010, 12:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Feb 27 2010, 12:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (munstermuffin @ Feb 27 2010, 12:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (feicarsinn @ Feb 26 2010, 08:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Felix Jones, Denis Hurely, Ian Dowling and Johnre Murphy aren't from Munster


Edit: Oh and they're not all good enough to play for Ireland.[/b]

I was basing it on the question of what will happen with Munster back's and seen as they all signed to Munster :blink: Never said they came from Munster.
And considering Johne Murphy & Felix Jones will eventually be capped and Hurley & Dowling are capped well enough said :unsure:

And have to agree with Nick that Howlett has proved his world-clas against world-class opposition.
But Carr has scored plenty of tries against poor or under-strength teams.
I not saying Carr a bad player but can't be compared until a) he's played at top-level and B) match's and overtakes Doug Howlett's achievments.
[/b][/quote]
Well no one asked that question. Do try to be clearer. It's just speculation to say that Murphy and Jones will be capped. They face huge competition for the next few years for back 3 positions ie. Kearney(s), Fitzgerald, Bowe, Carr, Earls, Trimble, Hurley and the kids coming up underneath them.



Also did no one see the popcorn? Guys that means I wasn't being serious. Jeez...
[/b][/quote]
Yeah, but Munster haven't produced a great back since Rob Henderson so it's nothing new. As is it just so happens that Leinster and Ulster are producing a brilliant group of young backs with the likes of the two Kearneys, Cave, Whittten, Fitzgerald, McFadden, etc.

But Munster didn't produce Hendo either ... And my bad thought you meant create a backline.

As for 2 boys they'll be capped be it breaking in to 1st team or playing the USA, Fiji Canada or whoever.

When BOD goes Earls will inherit 13 jersey and D'Arcy I hope is replaced by Luke Fitz. I think he can be a super 12 and has perfect build for it.

[/b][/quote]

Sigh, seriously you cannot tell how player development will unfold. Darren Cave could easily come in and take the 13 shirt or Ian Whitten for that matter. Who would have seen Tommy Bowe becoming the player he is today back in 05? Not me anyway. Both players have factors going against them for international selection as well. Jones wasn't good enough to break into the Leinster setup while, due to his time in England, Murphy has fallen behind the likes of Kearney, Earls and Fitzgerald, all of whom are younger than him. It would be foolish to assume they'll become Irish internationals (and by the way I don't mean picking up a cap or two like Anthony Horgan or someone. Real internationals)