12/05/2008 14:04

Dunedin - Highlanders scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan will appear in court later this week following an incident in Dunedin at the weekend.

The former All Black was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning following the Highlanders' 40-15 loss to the Blues at Carisbrook.

He has been charged with disorderly behaviour according to TVNZ.

The Highlanders had earlier refused to reveal the name of the player in question, but now Highlanders chief executive Richard Reid isn't ruling out any internal discipline for Cowan once the justice system has finished with him.

He will be the second Highlander to appear before the courts in recent weeks.

Cowan's arrest follows wing Lucky Mulipola's recent conviction of assault, driving while disqualified and supplying false or misleading information to police.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry has reacted with dismay to news of Cowan's run in with the law.

Cowan is tipped to be an All Blacks contender and Henry is not happy, saying "it is very disappointing" and "rugby doesn't need that sort of thing".