Manager Darren Shand (L) has a word with Jimmy Cowan. Photo / Mark Mitchell
Manager Darren Shand (L) has a word with Jimmy Cowan. Photo / Mark Mitchell
KEY POINTS:
Invercargill District Court has granted All Black Jimmy Cowan a day's grace to allow him to attend a New Zealand Rugby Union misconduct hearing in Wellington today.
Cowan is due before the NZRU panel after police charged him with disorder offences for the second time in two months.
In the latest incident, Cowan was arrested about 4am on Sunday outside an Invercargill bar after an appearance for his club, Mataura. No one was hurt and no property was damaged.
Cowan had been due in court this morning to face a charge of disorderly conduct, but will now appear tomorrow afternoon.
Cowan's supporters say he can turn things around as he faces the NZRU hearing, which could decide his future in the black jersey.
Yesterday, Cowan was feeling "pretty empty" and nervous about his future.
The NZRU, acutely aware of its image as the sport struggles to win back fans, could terminate Cowan's playing contract.
But close supporters say Cowan can learn from his mistakes and make the necessary changes in his life.
"Don't judge Jimmy solely on the last two instances," said Rugby Players Association head Rob Nichol.
"He's a hell of a nice guy, and there are plenty of us who are prepared to stand up and say that ... and he will be fine.
"It probably doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that he's a young guy who's maturing."
All Black manager Darren Shand told the Herald Cowan was showing a pattern of behaviour indicating "he doesn't make good decisions when he's been drinking".
When Sunday's incident occurred, Cowan was already on remand on a charge of disorderly conduct relating to an incident in Dunedin on May 10.
Normally the NZRU would wait for the outcome of any charges in court, but Mr Shand said that because it was Cowan's second incident in a short time "we feel it is appropriate to act now".
Today's hearing could result in anything from a warning to termination of contract.
Mr Shand said the incidents involving Cowan were especially frustrating when "we are so aware we are in the spotlight".
"We are a culture of high performance and we demand high standards and accountability. Those that don't meet those expectations have got to take the consequences."
Cowan's agent, Tom Downey, said the player was determined to face up to the consequences of his actions.
Mr Nichol said Cowan was not the first All Black to face such issues.
"The same characteristics that make these guys exceptional rugby players - the same drive and, at times, the aggression, or flamboyance - will have them reacting badly at times."
All Blacks could become magnets for trouble out on the town, and techniques were needed to deal with that.
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