Munster Rugby is losing another important figure with the announcement that former All Blacks star Doug Howlett is to return to New Zealand in the autumn.
Howlett previously starred for the province but he is the current head of the Reds' commercial and marketing department, but is to vacate that post after six years in situ.
The news follows confirmation last week that assistant coaches Jerry Flannery and Felix Jones were leaving at the end of a season that finished on a disappointing note last Saturday with defeat to Leinster in the Guinness PRO14 semi-finals.
Howlett commented: “The privilege of playing for Munster Rugby, completing my MBA in UCC, and having the opportunity to run the province’s Commercial and Marketing programmes under the guidance of Garrett Fitzgerald, and the Commercial Board’s Niall FitzGerald and Patrick Coveney, have all been incredible experiences.
“It has been an extraordinary 11 years living in Ireland and I will always treasure my time in this special and unique club, and in Irish sport, academia and business.”
Munster Rugby Acting CEO Philip Quinn said: “With Doug excelling in a senior management role we were always informed of his future plans to return to New Zealand. He has been a great colleague and addition to the organisation, overseeing our most successful commercial year of the past decade.
“In pursuing our strategic objectives, the building blocks are very much in place for further progression and that’s down to the work the Commercial and Marketing department have carried out on the ticketing, sponsorship, patrons and global events front. We retain a talented and committed Commercial and Marketing team focused on realising our clear vision and strategy built on the values of Munster Rugby.
“I would like to thank Doug, and wish him and his family, all the best as they return to New Zealand".
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