Howlett may get lead role for Munster in O’Connell absence

Munster’s Rob Penney and Paul O’Connell will have a serious discussion en-route to Glasgow tomorrow as they help launch the new RaboDirect Pro12 campaign.

The main topic — whether Doug Howlett will take the captain’s armband on a short or long-term basis this season.

Penney has added to the debate on whether to reappoint the currently injured O’Connell or go down the Leinster route of a few seasons ago in naming a skipper with less or no international commitments.