KEY POINTS:
All Black Doug Howlett was arrested in London yesterday after police were called to a disturbance outside the Hilton Hotel at Heathrow Airport.
A Scotland Yard spokesman would not confirm it was the All Black rugby winger, but a source close to the team said radio news reports naming Howlett, 29, were accurate.
Police said a 29-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage to two vehicles outside the Hilton.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said the incident happened 3am yesterday (3pm NZT).
The man was taken to the police station where he was later bailed, the spokesman said.
It was not known if he had been ordered to stay in the country as part of the bail conditions, but he was expected to report to Heathrow police at the end of the month.
Inquiries would continue, the spokesman said.
Reports suggested Howlett was jumping on cars and a hotel room had also been trashed.
Howlett was not among the 17 players who arrived back in New Zealand today after losing to France in the World Cup quarterfinals.
He was about to take up a playing contract in Ireland.
Revelations of Howlett's alleged indiscretions could not have been timed worse for embattled All Blacks coach Graham Henry, who mounted a stirring defence of his side's character after arriving back in Christchurch today.
Henry, clearly unaware of the drama involving the All Blacks' leading try scorer, made a point of emphasising the development and maturity of the 30-man squad during a four year reign tarnished by last weekend's shock quarterfinal loss to France in Cardiff.
"They are an exceptional group of guys," he said, after the bulk of the touring party received a rousing reception at Christchurch Airport.
"I'm very proud of how they conduct themselves as people.
"They're marvellous role models for this country. They put this country on the map right around the world and they touch a lot of people," he said.
"A number of people have said to me what a tremendous group of young men you've got there - during the World Cup and previous tours.
"It's been phenomenal. 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."
Howlett was among six players who were not scheduled to return home this week because families or partners could not change their travel arrangements.
The remainder to return on Friday, minus Howlett, were Mils Muliaina, Jerry Collins, Andy Ellis, Byron Kelleher and Neemia Tialata.
- NZPA
