E-mail Article 
Print-Friendly Version 
Subscribe to RSS FeedHowlett pleads guilty
Howett raises his hand and takes sole responsibility
Disgraced All Blacks winger Doug Howlett has released a statement through the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) apologising for the "tomfoolery" that ended with his arrest in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Howlett, 29, was detained following an incident outside the Hilton hotel at Heathrow Airport which resulted in damage to two parked cars. He was later bailed.
A number of All Blacks players were staying at the hotel as they waited for flights home, following their shock defeat to France in the World Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
"Firstly I'd like to say I'm sorry for what has happened," said Howlett in a video statement.
"I am embarrassed that the events of one evening have led to me being in this situation. It was a little bit of tomfoolery that has caused me to be here.
"I apologise to people back home; family and friends, the New Zealand public, the fans and my team-mates. I'm working with the police at the moment to contact owners [of the damaged cars] and fix what I have done wrong.
"Again, this is an embarrassing time and I do take sole responsibility.
"There was drink involved, and it's not an excuse, but I do take responsibility for what I've done and there was no intent to cause anybody or anything any harm whatsoever."
Howlett is among several players to have remained in Europe following New Zealand's worst-ever World Cup performance.
The former Auckland Blues star did not play in the quarter-final defeat, but scored six tries in three pool matches to overtake former team-mate Christian Cullen as New Zealand's record try-scorer of all-time.
Howlett is scheduled to join Irish province Munster on a two-and-a-half-year contract from January 1 and leaves the international arena with 49 tries from 62 Tests.
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.
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 quarter-final 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.
"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."
