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Wales backs coach Rob Howley has been sent home from the World Cup for the alleged violation of World Rugby’s legislation anti-corruption and covering gambling.
The death of the 48-year-old is a huge blow six days in Japan from Pool D competitions Georgia prior to Wales’ opening match.
A Welsh Rugby Union statement said Howley had”returned to Wales to assist with an investigation”.
The WRU confirmed it had been in connection with a violation of gambling on rugby.
World Rugby’s regulation 6.3.1 reads:”No connected person will, directly or indirectly, wager or try to bet on the results or some other element of any connected event and/or receive and/or attempt to receive part or all the profits of any such bet or some other advantage in relation to a wager.”
Wales have now sent to Stephen Jones to fill the gap made by Howley’s surprising death and Jones is predicted to arrive”imminently” at the squad’s Kitakyushu base.
Former Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half Jones has been confirmed as the next Wales backs coach under Wayne Pivac, who’ll take the reins after the tournament out of Gatland.
The WRU statement said:”Rob Howley has returned to Wales to assist with an evaluation in regard to a possible breach of World Rugby Legislation, especially betting on soccer union.
“The decision was required to act quickly in light of information passed into the WRU. No additional details can be supplied at this point as this would bias the investigation.
“If required an independent panel will be made to hear the case. Rob has with our discussions.
“Warren Gatland has consulted senior players along with Stephen Jones will soon be coming in Japan imminently to join with the group as attack coach”
Since the New Zealander took control howley has been an integral part of manager Warren Gatland’s backroom team.
The ex-Wales and Lions scrum-half was set to leave his character following the World Cup.
Howley was connected with all the Italy head trainer job with present incumbent Conor O’Shea anticipated to depart but now looks unlikely.
The former Wales scrum-half played under him at Wasps, and also was one of the backroom recruits and was a part of the backroom personnel of Gatland because being appointed in January 2008.
Wales have won four Nations names, including three Grand Slams, since he became a part of this training set-up.
Howley was in control of Wales’ 2013 Six Nations victory when Gatland was away on a British and Irish Lions head coach sabbatical.
He was also a part of Gatland Lions coaching group in the series in New Zealand and Australia in 2013 four decades later.
Michael Owen, former Wales captain, speaking on Five Live:
It’s sad that Rob’s got swept up in thisparticular, he’s been a huge trainer for Wales and this will be actually the swansong for your Wales coaching team. It is a blow for Rob Howley on a private level, and also for everybody involved.
I believe the team will be affected. They’re blessed to own Stephen Jones, he’s sway and incredibly optimistic individual. He’s someone who could come in and have a beneficial effect on the camp straight away.
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