RUGBY - Big gap as Holwell hangs up his boots

You don't like to throw the word 'legend' around too much, but in David's case it's justifiedHe's never been the biggest player on the rugby field, but Northland legend David Holwell will leave big boots to fill after announcing he has retired from the game.
First five-eighth Holwell, 33, who has played 94 games for Northland in two stints from 1995-98 and 2005-08, announced yesterday he was hanging up his deadly accurate boots and retiring to run the farm he has spent the past few years building just north of Whangarei.
Holwell's experience, skill, mana and expert goal-kicking will be sorely missed during this year's Air New Zealand Cup competition, but team coach Bryce Woodward thinks the team has a replacement in former Auckland first five-eighth Lochie Munro, signed by Northland last year.
"Let's not underestimate this, it's a huge loss. But at the end of the day it's David's decision and only he can know when it's right to make that decision," Woodward said.
"We signed Lochie ... knowing David had not made a commitment as to whether to carry on until he'd had a summer break. Lochie is a very talented player and one of the things that attracted him here was the opportunity to work with and learn from David."
But Woodward was confident Munro could step up and fill Holwell's big boots.
Holwell played 249 first-class games. He also enjoyed stints with Wellington where he was part of 2000 NPC winning team and the Hurricanes where he was considered the ultimate professional with 76 appearances and 676 points.
The Blues called on his services in 2007. He had two stints with Irish club Leinster playing 22 times for the club in the 2004-05 season, where he scored 282 points and then again last year after a late call up.
A loyal club man Holwell also provided plenty of inspiration for his club sides Mid Northern in the Northland competition and Poneke in Wellington.
Northland chairman Andrew Golightly said Holwell's commitment to the Taniwha since 1995 had been exceptional.
"You don't like to throw the word 'legend' around too much, but in David's case it's justified. With Justin Collins, he has been the backbone of Northland.
"He was a class act for us and while it's tough to see him go it's good that his last game was a win against Auckland. We've reluctantly accepted his decision and we'll make sure he's appropriately recognised and honoured during the year."