Fitzgerald says age no barrier to new Howlett deal after injury heartbreak

AGE won’t be an issue for Doug Howlett in negotiating a new deal with Munster, even though his season has been brought to a premature halt because of injury.

With Munster front-liners Felix Jones and Keith Earls also sidelined, the up-and-coming star Simon Zebo, a ready-up replacement winger, also suffered an injury yesterday to add to the troubles in the camp.

Munster Chief Executive Garrett Fitzgerald put on a brave face last night in advance of surgery for the New Zealand legend. There were words of support and comfort from the CEO, however, for 33-year-old Howlett.