It ain't heavy, but he's not my brother: Howarth

LONDON - Despite being wrongly labelled a brother of former All Black Shane Howarth, distant cousin Calvin is carving out an impressive rugby career of his own in Scotland.

The 24-year-old moved one step closer to playing for Scotland when recently selected to play for Edinburgh in the inter-district championship.

Calvin Howarth's elevation to the edge of the top level revived reports in Britain that he was former Welsh fullback Shane's brother, when he is, in fact, his "third or fourth" cousin.

"We're cousins but that's as far as it goes," he said.

Calvin had never met his more illustrious namesake, but had spoken to him on the phone.

Calvin played four games at fullback for North Harbour before moving to Scotland three years ago, where the "brothers" link resurfaced.

"When Shane was with Wales the whole thing popped up again, especially when I said I was intending to stay here and he was ineligible for Wales - there was a bit of controversy over that.

"It's not a problem. I think it's a bit of a laugh," said Calvin.

"I came over here on my own accord. It wasn't anything to do with him."

Shane Howarth, 32, played 19 times for Wales until last March, when it was discovered he had no Welsh blood.

Under residency rules, Calvin expects to qualify to play for Scotland next August.

"It's a fair way away, but I'd like to think I could make it," he said.

Calvin scored 31 tries and almost 500 points for Boroughmuir last season.

Both tallies were club records for one season.

- NZPA