KEY POINTS:
All Black Doug Howlett has been sanctioned by the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) for his post-World Cup behaviour when he damaged two cars in London.
However, the NZRU today said it would not reveal what action had been taken against the winger.
Howlett attended a misconduct meeting at NZRU headquarters in Wellington yesterday to discuss his behaviour following the All Blacks' World Cup quarterfinal loss to France.
He was arrested and released on bail on October 9 after jumping on two cars parked at the Hilton Hotel at Heathrow Airport.
Howlett later apologised and offered to compensate the owners of the vehicles for the damage caused. Police decided to take no further action against him.
All Blacks manager Darren Shand said in a statement that Howlett's behaviour was found to amount to serious misconduct under the terms of the players' collective employment agreement and his employment contract with the NZRU.
Shand said it was very disappointing that the incident had happened, especially at a difficult time for the team, but Howlett had accepted his responsibility in the matter.
"Doug faced intense public scrutiny over his behaviour and has faced up to his actions and made reparations," Shand said.
An NZRU statement said Howlett had received an "appropriate sanction" by the NZRU.
Shand said the NZRU had taken into account the circumstances of Howlett's conduct, the significant costs incurred by Howlett as a result of his behaviour, and his departure shortly to play for Irish club Munster.
- NZPA
