Howlett still hoping to fulfil World Cup dream
Howlett’s two-and-a-half-year deal with Munster expires next summer and New Zealand’s record Test try scorer (48 tries in 58 All Black Test) admits that playing for the All Blacks in the RWC at home would be “a huge draw-card”.
He does admit that any decision will be lifestyle rather than rugby-based, but following RWC exits to Australia in 2003 and four years later against France in Cardiff, he has some unfinished international business.
Howlett is believed to be one of three overseas New Zealand players on the radar of the All Black selectors when planning for their 2011 World Cup begins after this year’s Tri-Nations campaign.
Assistant coach, Wayne Smith, has said that a couple of All Blacks are being contacted on a semi-regular basis by the coaches.
Howlett told the Irish Examiner that Smith hasn’t made contact with him. However, his former back coach added that the players they’re targeting must return to New Zealand next year to become eligible, which means Howlett could be on his way home at the end of his current deal with Munster.
“I’m off contract at the end of the season, so there are opportunities to get back and stake a claim,” admits Howlett, who returns today with Munster from a pre-season camp in Portugal.
“The All Blacks are not really the type of team you can sort of walk back into. If myself and the family saw fit, we’d return in time for a provincial season and the Super 14 to stake a claim if that’s the way we’d go.”
He added: “Obviously the World Cup is a huge draw-card, but again it would be a family decision. We’re really enjoying our rugby here and it’s a great place to play. As we saw with Rua (Tipoki), it’s a tough place to leave. Yes, it will be a tough decision.”
Howlett turns 31 next month and says talks on a possible contract extension to his current deal at Munster have not taken place — “Munster have protocols in place. They start all that from November onwards” — but it seems that the man who arrived saying he’d closed the door on his All Blacks career is about to reopen that door and take care of unfinished business: World Cup glory.
“I guess sitting down and being been away from it for a while, you always wonder would you be good enough to get back in there for a start; are you willing to go down that road, and again the World Cup is a huge draw-card. I’m sure you all know we haven’t had our hands on it for a wee while as New Zealanders! So that would be a great opportunity.”
A hugely popular member of Munster’s squad, Howlett has certainly immersed himself in Cork’s sporting culture since settling down there in December ‘07. This summer he was spotted in Páirc Uí Chaoimh sporting a Cork jersey and supporting the Rebels in their Munster SFC semi-final against Kerry.
“I’ve been to a couple of club games in Cork, but I’ve always been told about the Cork-Kerry rivalry, that it’s a must-see. I really enjoyed it. I didn’t manage to get to the (drawn) game in Kerry but that added to the game in Cork. I thought I’d support my team and wear the top.
“I really enjoy both Gaelic and hurling. I just like being a spectator. You’re so often on the field, it’s nice to step back and have an opinion and talk with your mates.”
Outside rugby and sport, he has absorbed the delights of Ireland’s rugged west coast. Instantly recognisable wherever he wanders, he says he was only too glad to stop and greet Munster supporters who spotted that distinct black mane.
“We didn’t head to New Zealand this summer and went tripping in the car around west Cork and up to Clare. Part of being here was to have a look at Europe and especially Ireland. We’ve taken our time off and used it. Both my wife and I enjoy the coast. We went to Lahinch, the Burren — which was an unusual area — but all was stunning. Galway too — we loved it there.
“Obviously there’s a big rugby following here but they’re very supportive, were interested in how the season went. ! They’re a wonderful bunch and pointed us in the right directions and really gave us a local feel to our little trip around — local pubs, where to eat, what to eat — that’s what we really enjoyed meeting some of those people.”
Should Howlett decide to leave, he will take home a bank of memories to regale his family and friends. A Heineken Cup title, a Magners League, but the highlight so far, he admits, was playing the All Blacks in Thomond Park last November. “It was one of those special games that may never come again. I’m just so happy that the timing was right when I was here, and the game was what it was: exceptional. Not only on the field but in the stands and in the whole region. I still get comments from my mates in the All Blacks asking about that game, ‘is it always like that?’ Some mentioned to me they now feel how the 1978 team could have lost — you know, coming to a place like this, unaware, and facing not only the team but the crowd.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
