Howlett on course for Munster opener

Doug Howlett could be set for his first outing in a Munster jersey in more than eight months having been named in a 32-man squad for the province’s opening pre-season friendly.

The former All Black winger injured an Achilles tendon in a RaboDirect Pro12 defeat at Ospreys on December 3 but after a lengthy rehabilitation process will join the Munster travelling party for a training camp in France that will conclude with a game against La Rochelle on August 10.

Howlett, 33, is one of 15 backs named in new head coach Rob Penney’s squad along with 17 forwards.