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Rugby World Cup preparations for Wales have taken a hit with the extraordinary news that Backs Coach Rob Howley has been sent home from Japan on charges of breaching World Rugby’s anti-corruption regulations. Howley has reportedly been under investigation for engaging in betting on rugby matches.
An official statement from the WRU reads:
“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.
“Howley 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.”
It’s an abrupt and ignominious end to Howley’s tenure with the side. The former Wales and Lions scrumhalf was appointed by Warren Gatland in 2008 and has twice served as a stand-in Head Coach during that time when Gatland was injured or himself unavailable with Lions commitments.
Wales have immediately summoned Stephen Jones to join the camp in Howley’s stead. Jones won 104 caps for Wales as a flyhalf and has been Backs Coach at Scarlets since 2015. He was due to take over the same role with Wales following the World Cup in support of incoming Head Coach Wayne Pivac.
The team must shake off the disruption quickly with their opening Pool D match against Georgia just days away. Wales play Uruguay in their final match of the pool stage on October 13.
