Doug Howlett.

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browner
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Doug Howlett.

Post by browner »

Flying Kiwi in link with regions

Jul 25 2005

Darren Witcoop, South Wales Echo


Flying All Blacks wing Doug Howlett has been linked with a sensational move to Welsh rugby.

Reports in the New Zealand media suggest that Howlett, currently out of favour with national coach Graham Henry, is being pursued by all four of the Welsh regional sides.

The 26-year-old is currently in Australia with Auckland's NPC side after his shock exclusion from New Zealand's Tri-Nations squad.

After figuring in the opening Test against the Lions, Howlett has slipped to fourth choice in the pecking order behind Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Rico Gear.

His contract with NZRU contract is set to expire this year, and with a record of 36 tries in 47 Tests his availability could spark a bidding war from a host of Northern Hemisphere sides.

The Blues, especially, are in the market for a pacy game-breaker winger, and Howlett would certainly fit the bill at the Arms Park.

Blues chairman Peter Thomas and chief executive Robert Norster travelled to New Zealand at the start of the month in an attempt to negotiate an early release for new signing Xavier Rush.

And it is believed that Howlett may have also been lined up to follow Auckland team-mate Rush into the Welsh game.

However, Auckland spokesman Bevan Sanson today told the Echo: 'It is well-known that Doug's contract is up for renewal at the end of the year.

'But as far as we are concerned there is no substance in reports at the moment.'
Magical O' Driscoll

Post by Magical O' Driscoll »

It seems that all the Southern Hemsiphere players are wanting to play in Northern Hemephere rugby.
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Freddie Benson
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Post by Freddie Benson »

surely if he plays himself back into a bit of form he's got to be a candidate for the NZ squad for RWC 2007 (I know he's been dropped from the TN squad, but even so he's a quality performer)
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Post by cjp »

But if his contract isn't renewed surely that would be a sign he won't feature in Henry's plans?
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jamesie
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Post by jamesie »

i'm all up for internal development of young players, but the irish provinces could do with a few big name southern hemisphere signings (à la harrison, cullen et al), to keep interest levels up (especially what with the exodus at leinster :shock:). the provinces need to keep the fans coming through the turnstiles and this won't happen with second rate or average sides playing week in week out… especially as the competition with footie and gaa is more intense than ever

welsh rugby is well and truly showing us their heels at the moment in terms of planning and appealing to the fans, ... i fear an even poorer 6 nations show this time around :?

we are in danger of rapidly falling from our position as a potential grand slam nation to our cyclical position of wooden spoon contenders... i thought the bad old days were behind us

WAKE UP IRFU!!! :shock:
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