Doug Howlett is in line to become the latest All Blacks legend to take part in the Heineken Cup after linking up with his new team, Munster, this week.
New Zealand's record try scorer with 48 touchdowns in 62 Tests, Howlett arrived in Ireland this week and was immediately named in the Munster squad to travel to Belfast to face Ulster at Ravenhill on Friday night in the Magners League.
Although not registered for the Heineken Cup at the start of the season, the 29-year-old wing or full back is all set to take the recently retired John Kelly's spot in the 38-man squad as their additional player permitted in the Pool stages.
"I've got over my jet lag and everyone at Munster has made it easy for me to settle in quickly," said Howlett.
"It doesn't really bother me which position I play in for Munster - wing or full back - because I am comfortable in both.
"We get the Heineken Cup games on TV back home in New Zealand and I saw a lot of Munster's games last season and this. They are a side who can play a very good tight game, but who also have the capability to spread it wide.
"I'm just looking forward to getting involved with the squad and helping them to do well in both the Magners League and the Heineken Cup."
Munster travel to France in Round 5 next week to face reigning European Challenge Cup holders ASM Clermont Auvergne on Sunday, 13 January. That could bring Howlett face-to-face with French wing Aurelien Rougerie or Fijian flyer Vili Delasau.
Howlett joins Munster from Auckland Blues. He first played for Auckland while he was at secondary school - he was head boy of Auckland Grammar - and was the youngest player to debut in Super 12, at the tender age of 18 years 230 days.
He scored a hat-trick in his first full start a week later.
New Zealand's Age Grade Player of the Year in 1998, he was nominated as a finalist for the International Rugby Players' Association's player of the year award in 2003.
