The New Zealand wing Doug Howlett has been reprimanded over his drunken antics at a Heathrow hotel following the All Blacks' exit from the World Cup. The 29-year-old attended a misconduct meeting at the New Zealand Rugby Union to discuss his behaviour after the 20-18 defeat to France last month, which was deemed to amount to "serious misconduct".

Howlett was arrested at a hotel near the airport on suspicion of damaging two vehicles. He later issued a videotaped apology to New Zealanders for his behaviour, admitting his embarrassment over what he described as "a little bit of tomfoolery".

Darren Shand, the All Blacks manager, expressed his disappointment over the incident but claimed the player had held his hands up and the matter was now closed. "Doug faced intense public scrutiny over his behaviour and has faced up to his actions and made reparations," he said.

Shand added that the NZRU had taken into account the circumstances of Howlett's behaviour and the costs incurred by the player, as well as his long and distinguished career and his imminent departure for Irish team Munster.

Howlett has received an "appropriate sanction" - the details of which are confidential - from the NZRU.