New Zealand rugby player arrested in London

New Zealand rugby player Doug Howlett was arrested after police were called to a disturbance outside the Hilton Hotel at Heathrow Airport.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said police were called to a disturbance outside the hotel at 3am yesterday.

"A 29-year-old man was arrested. He was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage on two cars," he said.

"He was taken to Heathrow police station and bailed to reappear pending further inquiries."

Reports in New Zealand have suggested that Howlett was jumping on cars.

The New Zealand Herald has reported that Howlett was not among the 17 players who arrived back in New Zealand today after losing to France in the World Cup quarter-finals.

The newspaper said Howlett was among six players who were not scheduled to return home this week because families or partners could not change their travel arrangements.