Howley sent home from World Cup
Coach embroiled in alleged betting probe:
WALES attack coach Rob Howley has been forced to leave camp after becoming embroiled in a betting scandal.
The Welsh squad has been rocked to its core following Howley’s removal with the Rugby World Cup just days away.
Former scrum-half Howley, 48, from Bridgend, is on his way home after finding himself in the middle of an investigation in relation to an alleged breach of World Rugby Regulation 6, specifically betting on rugby union.
The bombshell news comes just five days before Wales’ Pool D World Cup opener with Georgia in Toyota City.
Howley has been head coach Warren Gatland’s right-hand man for the past 11 years – and their relationship goes back further, with Gatland coaching the former scrum-half during their time at Wasps. He was due to leave his role after the World Cup, along with Gatland.
But it is believed that the Wales boss only became aware of the issue in Japan on Tuesday afternoon.
The WRU has moved quickly and Gatland, along with the senior player group, has decided to turn to Stephen Jones, who will replace Howley with immediate effect.
Jones – who will be part of the new Wales coaching set-up under Wayne Pivac after the World Cup – will take over from Howley as attack coach and will arrive in Japan imminently.
In a statement, the WRU confirmed Howley is returning to assist with an investigation into a potential breach of World Rugby Regulation 6, specifically betting on rugby union.
That follows recent information being passed to the WRU, with an independent panel being potentially appointed to hear the case.
The Union statement read: “The WRU can confirm that Rob Howley has returned to Wales to assist with an investigation in relation to a potential breach of World Rugby Regulation 6, specifically betting on rugby union.
“The decision was taken to act immediately in light of recent information passed to the WRU.
“No further details can be provided at this stage as this would prejudice the investigation. If required, an independent panel will be appointed to hear the case.
“Rob has co-operated fully with our initial discussions and we would ask that the media appreciate this is a difficult and personal matter for Rob and that his privacy is respected before an outcome is reached.
“Warren Gatland has consulted with senior players and Stephen Jones will be arriving in Japan imminently to link up with the squad as attack coach.”
Barring injuries, Wales’ preparation have could hardly have gone better up to this point, but the Howley news threatens to derail their entire bid for World Cup success in a tournament that was supposed to be a wonderful swansong for Gatland and his coaching staff.
Howley began his senior career with Bridgend in 1990 and made his Wales debut in February 1996, gaining 59 caps, 22 of them as captain. He also did stints at Cardiff and Wasps.
Meanwhile, Wales are continuing preparations for their Rugby World Cup opener and will travel to Toyota City today.