If you’re a fan of rugby, there’s plenty of reasons to visit McGettigan’s at JLT Dubai this Wednesday considering former All Blacks international Doug Howlett will be taking the stage for their latest ‘Evening With’.
Howlett, 39, was a formidable force for his country, representing his national team 62 times between 2000 and 2007. During those years, he scored 49 Test tries which not only puts him seventh in the all-time list but as New Zealand’s record Test try-scorer.
At club level, as well as having stints with Auckland Blues and Hurricanes, he was part of Munster’s triumphant squad that claimed the European Champions Cup in 2007-08, where he made 114 appearances.
Now with his playing days behind him, Howlett will be reliving those memories and answer any questions from the audience on Wednesday evening from 19:00.
Tickets for the event at The Baggot, costs Dh150 with doors opening at 18:00 with Happy Hour promotions until 20:00.
“Doug Howlett is one of the greatest wingers in the history of the game of rugby and is the leading try scorer for the All Blacks,” said Dennis McGettigan, CEO of McGettigan’s.
“This is a unique opportunity for rugby fans to hear behind the scenes stories from the legend himself.
“The event will see Doug interviewed on stage discussing everything from his childhood growing up in Auckland, New Zealand to his early days playing the sport to his All Blacks career and Munster Rugby in Ireland and his retirement alongside personal anecdotes.”
There will also be an opportunity to take a picture with Howlett himself as well as win some fantastic prizes.
“After the interview, the floor will be opened to fans to ask questions to Doug followed by a meet and greet photo session where fans can take pictures and get their memorabilia signed,” added McGettigan.
“There will also be a chance for fans to get their hands on some rugby memorabilia during the evening. Doug understands that there is a great interest in rugby here in the UAE and has even coached at the Rugby 7’s in Dubai in previous years and so he is keen to establish links with fans here and be an ambassador for the sport.”
McGettigan’s are no strangers to hosting ‘Evening Withs’ wit their previous editions proving to be a massive hit and McGettigan is convinced this week’s will be no different.
“These events are extremely popular. Firstly, the venue itself The Baggot at McGettigan’s JLT can hold up to 280 people seated and it has the ideal atmosphere for hosting such Q&A’s,” he said.
“In the past we have had Q&A’s with British former professional boxer Frank Bruno, former England international footballer Paul Gascoigne and retired Irish rugby union player Donncha O’Callaghan and British and Irish Lions player, David Wallace. Irish professional golfer Shane Lowry is McGettigan’s official brand ambassador, with McGettigan’s hosting regular golf days with the athlete.
“At McGettigan’s we try to create a real sense of camaraderie through all of our events, and particularly with sports. We have such a mix of nationalities as customers that it creates a vibrant atmosphere and a real sense of community spirit during these events.”
WHAT: An Evening With former All Blacks international Doug Howlett
WHERE: The Baggot, McGettigan’s JLT
WHEN: Wednesday, December 20 from 19:00
CONTACT: For more information, visit www.mcgettigans.com
