Howley embroiled in scandal

Wales assistant coach Rob Howley has been sent home from the World Cup in Japan for a potential breach of World Rugby’s regulation on betting.

The Welsh Rugby Union said that Howley had “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 48-year-old former Wales captain – capped 59 times and a two-time British and Irish Lion – has been part of Warren Gatland’s coaching team since 2008.

It is understood that Howley has already arrived back in Britain after leaving Wales’ World Cup squad base in Kitakyushu for the investigation.

Former Wales fly-half Stephen Jones, who was due to succeed Howley as attack specialist after the tournament, will join the squad later this week.

Wales’ opening World Cup game is against Georgia in six days’ time, with their campaign now off to the worst possible start.

If found guilty, Howley could face the maximum sanction of a life ban from the sport, with betting on any rugby game outlawed for the likes of players, coaches and match officials, among others.

It is thought that the WRU will lead the investigation, with the potential for a disciplinary hearing.