KEY POINTS:
All Black Jimmy Cowan has been arrested and charged with disorderly behaviour after an incident in Invercargill at the weekend, it was reported today.
Police would only confirm that a prominent 26-year-old professional rugby player had been arrested and was due to appear in Invercargill District Court on a disorderly conduct charge tomorrow.
All Blacks management confirmed it would today meet halfback Cowan to discuss an incident in Invercargill.
Cowan flew to Wellington last night to join the All Black squad ahead of Saturday's test against South Africa.
"Jimmy has come into camp and confirmed an incident overnight," All Blacks manager Darren Shand told the Otago Daily Times.
A New Zealand Rugby Union spokesman said team management would spend the day trying to establish the details of what happened and was likely to make a media statement by late afternoon.
Cowan was reportedly arrested outside One Blue Dog bar in Esk St, Invercargill about 4am yesterday and spent several hours in custody.
It is understood he was released later in the day in time to catch a flight to Wellington. Cowan, already facing charges relating to an incident in Dunedin on May 12 after the Highlanders lost to the Blues at Carisbrook, was not answering calls yesterday.
Cowan played for his club Mataura in their 64-10 win against Te Anau in Mataura on Saturday afternoon.
His parents, who live in Gore, declined to comment.
- NZPA
