All Black gives behaviour apology

New Zealand rugby player Doug Howlett has apologised for the behaviour which led to his arrest for suspected criminal damage.

In a video message he said he was "embarrassed" about the "tomfoolery" which led to Tuesday's arrest outside Heathrow Airport's Hilton Hotel.

Mr Howlett, 29, was arrested after an incident which resulted in damage to two parked cars. He was later bailed.

The All Blacks were ejected from the World Cup after losing to France.

Prior to Saturday's defeat, the team had been among the favourites to win the tournament.

'No intent'

In his message, the rugby player - whose bail conditions mean he will return later this month, said: "I apologise to the people back home, family and friends, the New Zealand public, fans and my team-mates.

"I am working with the police at the moment to contact owners and fix what I have done wrong.

"It is an embarrassing time but I do take sole responsibility. There was drink involved and it is not an excuse."

He added that there had been "no intent to cause anybody or anything any harm whatsoever".

The winger is the all-time record try scorer for the All Blacks with 49 tries.

But he did not play in the pre-tournament favourites' shock World Cup quarter-final defeat against France on Saturday.

Source: BBC Sport