As Wales’ rugby team prepares to show its might in the Japan Rugby World Cup, it’s going to have to do so without one of its assistant coaches. The tournament gets underway today, but assistant coach Rob Howley will be watching from home after being suspended for an alleged gambling violation. Howley reportedly was involved in some type of wager tied to the international event.
The Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) announced Howley’s removal in a press release this past Tuesday, stating that the coach was leaving Japan to return home in order to “assist with an investigation in relation to a potential breach of World Rugby Regulation 6, specifically, betting on rugby union.” Stephen Jones is stepping in to fill the void and will serve as the team’s attack coach.
According to World Rugby rules, part of Regulation 6 states, “No connected person shall, directly or indirectly, bet and/or attempt to bet on the outcome or any aspect of any connected event and/or receive and/or attempt to receive part or all of the proceeds of any such bet and/or any other benefit in relation to a bet.”
It isn’t clear exactly what the 48-year-old former player may have done to warrant his removal, but more details will be released following an investigation. So far, the only information available is that someone from one of the gambling industry’s integrity teams had contacted the union to report Howley’s actions. The WRU adds that it won’t release more details since it would “prejudice the investigation.”
Depending on what the infraction is, Howley is looking at anything from a slap on the wrist to a complete ban from rugby for life. It would be a sad reversal of fortune and an embarrassment to the Welsh squad, given Howley’s extensive involvement with the team.
The former scrum-half represented Wales 59 times when he was an active player. Of these, he was team captain 22 times. He has continued to be involved with the organization as an assistant coach under head coach Warren Gatland for more than ten years.
Wales plays its first game next Monday against Georgia, so there’s at least a little bit of time for the initial shock to wear off and for the team to get its head in the game. They haven’t gotten off to a good start, losing three out of four scrimmage matches, but they have extra motivation. Gatland, who has led the team since 2007, is set to give up his position immediately after the Japan World Cup ends. He, as well as the rest of the squad, is determined to finish on a high note.
