Coach sent home from Rugby World Cup in betting scandal

17 September 2019 at 9:49 pm

Australia's World Cup group rivals Wales have been been hit by a major setback after assistant coach Rob Howley was sent home from the tournament over a possible breach of betting rules.

The former Wales captain, who has been part of Warren Gatland's coaching team since 2008, has departed the squad's base in Japan just six days before their opening match, the Welsh Rugby Union confirmed in a statement on Tuesday.

The 48-year-old missed Wales' welcoming ceremony in Kitakyushu on Monday and will be replaced by former fly-half Stephen Jones, the WRU added.

UNPRECEDENTED: Rugby Australia take massive step for gay players

"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 nation's governing body said in a statement.

"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."

The WRU says Howley has "co-operated fully with our initial discussions" but adds that "if required, an independent panel will be appointed to hear the case."

Warren Gatland and Rob Howley, pictured here during the Six Nations in February. — Warren Gatland and Rob Howley during the Six Nations match between Wales and England in February. (Photo by David Rogers - RFU/The RFU Collection via Getty Images)

World Rugby weighs in

World Rugby said in a statement it "fully supports" the Welsh Rugby Union's "proactive approach."

"World Rugby has been informed by the Welsh Rugby Union of a potential breach of World Rugby Regulation 6 (specifically betting on rugby) by a member of the union's RWC 2019 coaching team.

"World Rugby fully supports the WRU's proactive approach to this matter and can confirm that the union is keeping us informed of their initial discussions.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further on an open and evolving process."

Wales start their Pool D campaign against Georgia on Monday before facing the Wallabies in Tokyo on September 29.

Howley had been due to leave his Wales coaching role after the World Cup, along with Gatland and fellow assistants Shaun Edwards and Robin McBryde.

Howley enjoyed a glittering playing career, winning 59 caps for Wales and captaining his country on 22 occasions, while also helping Wasps to be crowned European champions in 2004.

He played for the British and Irish Lions in 1997 and 2001, and was part of the Lions coaching staff on their last three tours.