Howlett arrested in London

WELLINGTON – All Black winger Doug Howlett was arrested by police in London after two cars were damaged outside the team hotel, All Blacks manager Darren Shand said yesterday.

The incident happened early Tuesday at the Hilton Hotel near Heathrow Airport as half the squad was already on its way back to New Zealand after their shock 20-18 quarter-final loss to France. “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,” Shand said in a statement.Howlett became the record try scorer for the All Blacks during the World Cup but then missed out on selection for the quarter-final.The 29-year-old was not due to leave London with most of the remaining members of the squad later Wednesday.He is due to take up a contract with Irish club Munster.Shand said the All Blacks would wait for the police to complete their inquiries before deciding what action to take.No other team members were involved in the incident.Apparently unaware of the arrest, All Black coach Graham Henry praised the behaviour of the team after arriving back in New Zealand, describing them as role models for the country.Henry said they had been welcomed by people all over the world.Nampa-AFP”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,” Shand said in a statement.Howlett became the record try scorer for the All Blacks during the World Cup but then missed out on selection for the quarter-final.The 29-year-old was not due to leave London with most of the remaining members of the squad later Wednesday.He is due to take up a contract with Irish club Munster.Shand said the All Blacks would wait for the police to complete their inquiries before deciding what action to take.No other team members were involved in the incident.Apparently unaware of the arrest, All Black coach Graham Henry praised the behaviour of the team after arriving back in New Zealand, describing them as role models for the country.Henry said they had been welcomed by people all over the world.Nampa-AFP