Doug Howlett looks to cast net wide

Doug Howlett remains hopeful that Munster will be able to source a replacement for Paul O’Connell from abroad.

News broke last month of the Ireland captain’s decision to join Toulon after the World Cup, leaving his home province with a massive hole to fill in their second row as well as their leadership group.

Head coach Anthony Foley signalled their intention to open a dialogue with the IRFU about the possibility of going to the market even before that, despite the fact that they already have two non-Irish qualified (NIQs) and another pair of special project players on the books. That is not including CJ Stander who becomes eligible for Ireland after the World Cup.