On the day he retires, here’s some of Doug Howlett’s best moments

An All Black and Munster legend, Doug Howlett today announced his retirement from rugby. Here’s a few of our favourite Dougie memories...

The leading try scorer for the All Blacks, and a fixture at Thomond Park for the last five years, Doug Howlett is a dual hemisphere hero.

At 34, the great man announced his retirement today following an injury sustained in a Rabo game back in March against Glasgow. At the time of the injury, Howlett was in discussions to continue with the province but on medical advice he has decided to hang up his boots.

So, on a sad day for New Zealand and Irish rugby, here’s some of his best moments.

Howlett scores for Otago in 1997

Look how young he looks in this clip...

Burning Jason Robinson for a try v England in 2002

You know that when a player leaves Jason Robinson for dead, then that does the term “pacey” a disservice. This was an English side coming into its peak and this try from Howlett caps some kamikaze rugby. Just a brilliant finish.

Doug Howlett pays back Earl Rose in kind, 2007

Dougie was none too pleased with Lions player Earl Rose during a Super 14 encounter. This video shows where the antagonising began, and more importantly getting payback (legally of course) with a couple of crunching hits.

Munster Haka v New Zealand, 2008

When the All Blacks toured Ireland in 2008, a fixture was arranged with Munster and it was a special moment in Thomond Park when Howlett, along with his Kiwi comrades, led a haka in front of his fellow countrymen. Munster lost gallantly in a very close encounter, but it was a fitting moment in the pre-match ceremonies.

Optilase changed his life you know

Not only is he a sporting legend, a future career may beckon on the big stage if this Oscar winning performance is anything to go by. Did someone say cringe??