Cowan charged with disorderly conduct
Sack him and rip up his contract
Cowan charged with disorderly conduct
By NATHAN BURDON - The Southland Times | Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Cowan charged with disorderly conduct - Rugby news & coverage - Stuff.co.nz
Highlanders and former All Blacks halfback Jimmy Cowan has been charged with disorderly conduct after an incident in Dunedin early on Sunday.
Details of the alleged incident could not be confirmed, but it is understood it was a relatively minor one and that there was no damage to any property.
It happened after the Highlanders played the Blues in Dunedin on Saturday night.
Cowan, 26, could appear in court as early as Friday.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry described the incident as extremely disappointing.
"It's disappointing, very disappointing," Henry said at yesterday's launch of the Iveco Series. "We don't need that sort of thing."
Henry had not heard specifics of the incident when questioned yesterday, but said he "might" speak to Cowan regarding the clear breach in discipline.
"I don't know any of the circumstances," said Henry. "Obviously it's disappointing and it's not something that we accept."
Cowan has been on the fringe of the All Blacks in recent seasons, and after being named New Zealand's Super 14 player of the year in 2007 he must have been considered a chance to win his way back into the national squad.
He has had a solid, if unspectacular, campaign with the struggling Highlanders this year, but after Saturday night's 15-40 defeat to the Blues at Carisbrook, told the Southland Times: "I just want to put my head down and get stuck in. It's not something I've thought about, really.
"I've had my disappointments over the years and it's not something I look out for now.
"In saying that, if I do make it I'll be very grateful but if I miss out I'll look forward to playing back at home, something I really enjoy."
It is the second early-morning incident linked with the Highlanders this year - winger Lucky Mulipola was convicted last month for assault.
He is to appear for sentencing next month.
In 2005, Cowan was suspended by the Rugby Union for a week and sent home early from a Junior All Blacks tour of Australia after an incident in a bar.
Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid was disappointed that a second incident had been linked with the franchise.
"You can't hold people's hands. There has to be an element of personal responsibility."
Rugby Southland commercial manager Caroline Wethy-Te Whetu said Cowan was "most regretful of the circumstances that took place and is bitterly disappointed".
He realised he had let down not only himself but also his family, franchise, rugby union, sponsors and supporters, she said.
