/ 10 October 2007

Winger Doug Howlett arrested in London

All Blacks winger Doug Howlett was arrested in London and may face charges after an incident at the team’s hotel near Heathrow Airport, the New Zealand Rugby Union said.

The union is investigating the incident at the Hilton Hotel in which two cars were damaged.

All Blacks manager Darren Shand said Howlett (29) was arrested and interviewed by police after the incident at the hotel at which players were staying prior to their return to New Zealand.

”Two cars parked in the hotel’s car park were damaged in the incident,” Shand said.

Howlett was staying at the hotel with members of the All Blacks team who returned to New Zealand on Tuesday after their quarterfinal elimination by France at the Rugby World Cup.

The winger, who became the New Zealand’s leading Test tryscorer in Tests during the competition, was not returning to New Zealand and was due to stay in Europe for a holiday.

”We are waiting for the police to conclude their inquiries. Once that occurs, we will initiate our own process to look into the incident and related issues,” Shand said.

”It is a serious matter and we are concerned that something of this nature has occurred at what is already a disappointing time for the team and for our supporters.”

Reports later on Tuesday said Howlett would be charged with causing criminal damage and had been bailed to appear in court later this month.

New Zealand radio reports quoted eye witnesses as saying Howlett had been jumping on the two cars. A hotel room in which Howlett had been staying with his partner and children was also damaged, reports said.

A spokesperson for Scotland Yard, speaking on condition of anonymity, said a 29-year-old man had been arrested after police had attended to a disturbance around 3am on Tuesday, London time.

The man was likely to face charges of causing criminal damage, the spokesperson said.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who returned to New Zealand on Wednesday with a group of 17 players, was unaware of Howlett’s arrest when he spoke on arrival of the team’s maturity and discipline.

”They are an exceptional group of guys,” he said. ”I’m very proud of how they conduct themselves as people.

”They’re marvellous role models for this country. A number of people have said to me what a tremendous group of young men you’ve got there.

”They believe they’re the best young sporting team that ever stays in their hotels, the most open and friendly and easy to get along with.” – Sapa-AP