Munster clinch All Blacks star

Veteran New Zealand winger Doug Howlett will join Munster after the World Cup.

The 28-year-old is the latest World Cup All Black to agree terms with a European club, signing a two year deal.

The Auckland and Blues outside back goes into the World Cup with 60 caps since a 2000 debut against Tonga.

He has scored 43 tries for the All Blacks, and is just four tries short of breaking Christian Cullen's international try-scoring record.

One of seven Kiwi players to reach 100 Super rugby games, his six tries in the 2007 Super 14 took him to 59, the competition best.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry said: "Doug is a quality international player who has proven his ability at the highest level.

"He is a marvellous professional and excellent role model, and although it is disappointing to see a player of his class go overseas, we will always remember the outstanding contribution he has made to New Zealand rugby."

The New Zealand Rugby Union faces a massive rebuilding project after the tournament in France.

Seven of the World Cup squad plus several more players on the fringes of the team leave for Europe and Japan later this year.