The fact that he will do so as captain of the side reflects the esteem in which he is held by his Munster peers. When he was elected squad skipper at the start of this season he became only the second overseas player (Jim Williams the other) and the first back in the professional era given that role.

A model of consistency since making his debut against Clermont Auvergne in January 2008, he is the leading try scorer (33), with the one against Treviso in early September, making him Munster all-time record try scorer, in Celtic League/Heineken Cup rugby, ahead of current Forwards coach Anthony Foley.

Speaking on his way to Dublin today Howlett said. "It's a great honour to have reached the 100 cap mark and I'm delighted to be up there with the others who achieved the same.  I think it reflects really on how much my family and I have been made welcome and are enjoying our time here in Munster. It's also a reflection on the excellent management and care of players by the Munster Medical and S&C staff and I'd like to acknowledge that fact."