Howlett has scored 49 tries for the All Blacks

Police were called to a disturbance outside Heathrow Airport's Hilton Hotel at 0300 BST on Tuesday.

Officers arrested the 29-year-old All Black player on suspicion of criminal damage on two cars.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "Mr Howlett was taken to Heathrow police station and bailed to reappear pending further inquiries."

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.

Team manager Darren Shand said: "It is a serious matter and we are concerned that something of this nature has occurred at what is already a disappointing time for the team and for our supporters."

Mr Howlett will join the Irish team Munster in January next year on a two-and-a-half-year contract.