Legendary.

Stuart Barnes once said ‘if there’s a better finisher in world rugby than Doug Howlett, he’s hidden somewhere in the Amazon,’ and he was damn right. A lethal finisher that was also incredible in defence, Howlett truly was something special.

If you’re looking for the complete winger, they don’t come much better than Howlett. The former Auckland Blues star bagged an astonishing 49 tries for the All Blacks in 62 Tests, but is perhaps more fondly remembered for his crunching tackles. When Howlett signed for Munster in 2007, fans of the southern province couldn’t quite believe it.

Howlett is one of the few superstars to come to Europe and live up to his hype, winning the Heineken Cup in his first season at the Irish province. As we celebrate his 39th birthday, let’s take a look back at some of his greatest moments.

His demolition of Sale.

Smashing Schalk Brits.

Goodbye Jason Robinson.

When he got his revenge on Earl Rose

That famous Munster Haka.