Doug Howlett.
Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2005 9:45 pm
Flying Kiwi in link with regions
Jul 25 2005
Darren Witcoop, South Wales Echo
Flying All Blacks wing Doug Howlett has been linked with a sensational move to Welsh rugby.
Reports in the New Zealand media suggest that Howlett, currently out of favour with national coach Graham Henry, is being pursued by all four of the Welsh regional sides.
The 26-year-old is currently in Australia with Auckland's NPC side after his shock exclusion from New Zealand's Tri-Nations squad.
After figuring in the opening Test against the Lions, Howlett has slipped to fourth choice in the pecking order behind Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Rico Gear.
His contract with NZRU contract is set to expire this year, and with a record of 36 tries in 47 Tests his availability could spark a bidding war from a host of Northern Hemisphere sides.
The Blues, especially, are in the market for a pacy game-breaker winger, and Howlett would certainly fit the bill at the Arms Park.
Blues chairman Peter Thomas and chief executive Robert Norster travelled to New Zealand at the start of the month in an attempt to negotiate an early release for new signing Xavier Rush.
And it is believed that Howlett may have also been lined up to follow Auckland team-mate Rush into the Welsh game.
However, Auckland spokesman Bevan Sanson today told the Echo: 'It is well-known that Doug's contract is up for renewal at the end of the year.
'But as far as we are concerned there is no substance in reports at the moment.'
Jul 25 2005
Darren Witcoop, South Wales Echo
Flying All Blacks wing Doug Howlett has been linked with a sensational move to Welsh rugby.
Reports in the New Zealand media suggest that Howlett, currently out of favour with national coach Graham Henry, is being pursued by all four of the Welsh regional sides.
The 26-year-old is currently in Australia with Auckland's NPC side after his shock exclusion from New Zealand's Tri-Nations squad.
After figuring in the opening Test against the Lions, Howlett has slipped to fourth choice in the pecking order behind Joe Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Rico Gear.
His contract with NZRU contract is set to expire this year, and with a record of 36 tries in 47 Tests his availability could spark a bidding war from a host of Northern Hemisphere sides.
The Blues, especially, are in the market for a pacy game-breaker winger, and Howlett would certainly fit the bill at the Arms Park.
Blues chairman Peter Thomas and chief executive Robert Norster travelled to New Zealand at the start of the month in an attempt to negotiate an early release for new signing Xavier Rush.
And it is believed that Howlett may have also been lined up to follow Auckland team-mate Rush into the Welsh game.
However, Auckland spokesman Bevan Sanson today told the Echo: 'It is well-known that Doug's contract is up for renewal at the end of the year.
'But as far as we are concerned there is no substance in reports at the moment.'