NO DOUBTS ON BETTING

WALES players were reminded of betting rules the day after Rob Howley’s departure from the Welsh camp for an alleged breach of those regulations. In a pre-planned meeting, rather than one hastily arranged in light of the attack coach being sent home, World Rugby integrity staff spoke to the squad. And hooker Ken Owens said he and his fellow players are in no doubt over the dos and don’ts. ‘All the boys, especially back home, get integrity briefings and reminders of it every season in terms of anti-doping, betting and all the rest of it,’ Owens (below) said. ‘Everyone is aware of it. It’s pretty clear. We had an integrity briefing the day after the announcement with Rob. We all know where we stand and all the players are aware. ‘It’s been difficult. It’s been a bit of a shellshock to the boys. ‘We haven’t had time to reflect or dwell too much on it because we have got a job to do. Harsh as it sounds, that’s what we’re here to do. ‘We heard the news on the day off, we’ve had two training days and they’ve been pretty sharp. The senior boys, especially in the backs, have fronted up and taken on that extra responsibility. ‘We’ve just got on with it. Monday is a massive game against Georgia.’ Neil Jenkins, who was Howley’s half-back partner for years in his playing days and is now a skills coach with the team, cannot wait for the rugby to start. ‘If I am brutally honest, I wish we were playing tomorrow. I can’t wait to get going,’ said

Jenkins.