In news that will disappoint many at Thomond Park, heavensgame understands that Doug Howlett will be leaving the club at the end of this season.

The New Zealand Rugby Union appears to be preparing to raid the top European clubs to further bolster their playing ranks in time for the 2011 Super 15 season and crucial home World Cup.

Howlett has been a great servant to the Munstermen since joining in 2007 after the RWC.   His form has been so compelling that the NZRU and in particular Graham Henry want him back in the country.

In a reversal of the traditional "once you leave you are gone" philosophy, other high profile targets include Cardiff Blues fullback Ben Blair, Ospreys flank Jerry Collins, Newcastle captain Carl Hayman and Toulouse scrumhalf Byron Kelleher.

The return of these players may do more harm than good to an All Black squad that was unable to win the RWC with them in the team in 2007.  Or more to the point, a squad that had so much depth that it was unclear as to who New Zealand's best starting XV comprised.

Is this overseas recruitment a canny move by a Union desperate to break what will be a 20 year drought without the premier trophy in World Rugby?

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