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Doug Howlett forced to hang up boots
ESPN Staff
May 14, 2013
Munster's Doug Howlett braces for impact, Munster v Australia, Thomond Park, Limerick, Ireland, November 16, 2010
Doug Howlett will retire from rugby © Getty Images
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Munster winger Doug Howlett has announced he will retire from rugby at the end of the season.

The All Blacks' top try-scorer, Howlett joined Munster in 2008 and played a key role in their charge to the Heineken Cup title. But following a shoulder injury he sustained while playing for Munster against Glasgow Warriors in March, he has been forced to call time on his career after receiving medical advice.

Howlett's decision sees him bring to an end a career that saw him win 62 caps for the All Blacks and also score a unique 49 tries for the Kiwis. He linked up with Munster following the 2007 World Cup, where he was a key cog in the New Zealand side, and has since made more than 100 appearances for the province, scoring a record 35 tries in the process.

He was named squad captain at the start of the current campaign, an honour which has been handed to just two overseas players, and following the announcement of his retirement, he will continue to live in Cork for the immediate future.

In related news, Munster have confirmed Wian du Preez will return to South Africa at the season's end while Sean Scanlon will link up with Rotherham and Sean Henry with Connacht. BJ Botha has penned a new two-year deal while Danny Barnes will move abroad.

© PA Photos
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